News

David Kokakis elevated to Chief Counsel of Universal Music Publishing Group 

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced David Kokakis has been elevated to the newly-created role of Chief Counsel where he will continue leading UMPG’s Business and Legal Affairs team and the company’s digital rights management. He will remain based in UMPG’s global headquarters in Santa Monica and report to Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer of UMPG.  

In his new role, Kokakis will also work closely with labels at parent company Universal Music Group (UMG) to maximize synergies between, and digital revenues for, publishing and recorded music assets. As part of this position, he will additionally report to Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Universal Music Group worldwide. 

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Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Fans can take a chance on the musical sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” which is out 20th July. The film soundtrack includes some of ABBA's most iconic songs performed by the cast including newest member Cher.
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Universal Music Publishing Group signs Nija to global publishing deal

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced the signing of multiplatinum-selling songwriter-record producer Nija Charles to an exclusive publishing deal.  Nija has quickly become one of the most in-demand and prolific writers in the industry.  Since signing to UMPG, Nija has written songs recorded by a wide variety of superstars including Beyonce and Jay-Z (“Heard About Us” and “LoveHappy”); Cardi B ft. SZA ("I Do); Cardi B ft. Kehlani ("Ring"); Jason Derulo for the 2018 Official World Cup and Coca-Cola anthem ("Colors”); and Chris Brown ("Pull Up").

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Shane MacGowan and Steve Mac presented with Ivor Novello Awards

The 63rd Ivor Novello Awards honoured UMPG writers Shane MacGowan and Steve Mac. Shane MacGowan was presented with The Ivors Inspiration Award – in recognition of the power of his songwriting to inspire the creative talents of others. Steve Mac won the award for PRS For Music Most Performed Work, for co-writing Ed Sheeran's ‘Shape Of You'. 

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UMPG executives recognized in Billboard 2018 International Power Players list

Billboard has released it’s 2018 International Power Players list which includes four Universal Music Publishing Group executives. Andrew Jenkins (President of Australia and Asia Pacific, UMPG), Alexandra Lioutikoff (Executive VP Latin America and US Latin, UMPG) and Mike McCormack (Managing Director UK, UMPG) are all recognized in the Publishing category, whilst Jackie Alway, (SVP International Legal & Industry Affairs, UMPG) is included in the Trade Groups category. 

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UMPG signs Asa Taccone to exclusive administration agreement

SANTA MONICA, April 25, 2017 – Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publishing company, today announced the signing of songwriter-producer-composer Asa Taccone to an exclusive global administration agreement, excluding France and Benelux. In addition to being lead singer and the main songwriter for his band Electric Guest, Taccone is an award-winning and versatile musician whose experience extends into theater and television.

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UMPG named Publisher of the Year at Annual ASCAP Pop Awards

Universal Music Publishing Group was named Publisher of the Year at the 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. The company’s songwriters contributed to 22 of ASCAP’s Most Performed Pop Songs of 2017. Special honors were given to Steve Mac who was awarded Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for “Shape Of You.” Justin Bieber’s “Despacito” was awarded Most Streamed Song of the Year.

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