UMPG appoints Sony/ATV’s Jody Gerson as new CEO

UMG has appointed Jody Gerson Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, effective January 1, 2015.

Gerson, who currently serves as Co-President of Sony/ATV Publishing will report to UMG Chairman and CEO, Lucian Grainge. She will succeed Zach Horowitz who has decided to step down immediately to explore other opportunities.

In making the announcement, Grainge says, “Jody Gerson is simply one of the best music publishers in the business, and we are thrilled that she will be bringing her creativity, savvy and vast experience to UMPG. Jody represents a new breed of music industry leadership, with a keen understanding of the evolving role of music publishers in the digital era and a track record of artist successes that place her among all-time greats. I’m excited for what we will accomplish together.”

Gerson’s first signing at Sony/ATV was Lady Gaga. She has also played an instrumental role in the careers of Enrique Iglesias, Mac Miller, Pitbull, RedOne, Shakira and Pharrell Williams, among others. Another one of her signings, Nasri Atweh, the lead singer and primary songwriter for the band Magic!, currently has the #1 single (Rude) on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a second week in a row.

In 1996, Gerson signed the-then 15 years-old artist, Alicia Keys. Keys’ first album was a worldwide hit, winning five Grammy Awards in 2002, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year, and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.