Jody Gerson Leads UMPG to New Heights as Music Publishing's Top Executive

The UMPG chairman/CEO has championed songwriters and the value of music during her decade-long tenure, tripling the company's revenue.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:39am

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Jody Gerson, the chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), has reigned as the most powerful woman in the music industry over the past decade. Since taking the helm of UMPG in 2016, Gerson has championed songwriters and the value of music, tripling the company's publishing revenue. She has surrounded herself with a talented team, fostered a collaborative and supportive work culture, and used her platform to advocate for fair compensation for creators. Gerson has also expanded UMPG's influence beyond music, joining the board of Gap and using her connections to serve her company, songwriters, and employees.

Why it matters

Gerson's leadership at UMPG has solidified the publishing business as a crucial and influential part of the music industry. Her unwavering support for songwriters and her ability to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and AI have made her an indispensable figure. Gerson's success also serves as an inspiration for other women aspiring to reach the highest levels of the music business.

The details

When Gerson took over UMPG in 2016, she was initially insecure about running a global company, but she quickly surrounded herself with a talented team and adapted to the rapid pace of innovation in the industry. Gerson has fostered a collaborative and supportive work culture, with a 'no a--hole' rule, and she frequently checks in with her team to offer support and acknowledge their hard work. She has also used her platform to advocate for the fair compensation of songwriters, fighting to ensure that music's value is recognized by technology companies and other industry players.

  • Gerson was appointed UMPG chairman/CEO in 2016.
  • She signed Rosalía, a rising star, in 2019 and has worked closely with her since then.

The players

Jody Gerson

The chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), who has reigned as the most powerful woman in the music industry over the past decade.

Lucian Grainge

The chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, who offered Gerson the UMPG chairman role.

Rosalía

A rising star artist whom Gerson signed in 2019 and has worked closely with since then.

Mark Cimino

The COO of UMPG, who has helped Gerson foster a collaborative and supportive work culture.

Martin Bandier

The former chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, where Gerson previously worked as co-president.

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What they’re saying

“I want to commend you for fighting the fight and making sure songwriters are paid fairly. We should all be comforted knowing we have this dream team fighting for value.”

— Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group (Billboard)

“No matter whether you're in retail or film or artificial intelligence, everybody wants a connection to music. I might as well be that connection, and then use those connections to serve my company, my writers and my employees.”

— Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group (Billboard)

What’s next

Gerson plans to continue championing the value of music and supporting songwriters, while also working to increase the representation of women in top music industry roles.

The takeaway

Jody Gerson's leadership at UMPG has solidified the publishing business as a crucial and influential part of the music industry. Her unwavering support for songwriters, her ability to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and AI, and her efforts to empower other women in the industry have made her an indispensable figure in the music business.