Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced that Joe Fang has been named as the company’s first-ever Managing Director, China, effective immediately. Based in Beijing, Fang reports to Andrew Jenkins, President, Australia and Asia Pacific Region, UMPG.

In his new role, Fang is responsible for the development of UMPG China at its new headquarters in Beijing. He will oversee business strategy and growth of the company’s Chinese language roster in a booming market. He will lead the development of UMPG Hong Kong as the region’s leading music publisher. Under Fang’s leadership, the UMPG China team will work closely with Universal Music Group in China, as well as with local partners to develop cornerstones for the Chinese music industry in a brand-new era.

In making the announcement, UMPG COO Marc Cimino said: “Continuing with our efforts to be best-in-class around the world, we have put a strong and strategic emphasis on UMPG’s growth in China. There is no one better suited to accomplish that than Joe Fang who is leading us in what has become a very exciting territory for our songwriters.”
Cimino continued: “From the first moment we met Joe, it was clear that his leadership abilities, integrity, ambition and passion for music were qualities that fit perfectly with the culture we have at UMPG.  We are thrilled to have Joe leading our business in China and look forward to the many accomplishments that he will achieve with his team.”

Said Fang: “I am from a music family but never imagined having the incredible opportunity of working for Universal Music Publishing. Since I’ve taken the job, I’ve seen so much excitement in the eyes of local musicians and songwriters after they really understood what a true music publisher can do for them. China needs UMPG, just as UMPG needs China.”

Fang continued: “I am thankful to have Andrew Jenkins’ guidance as my mentor along the way. We are proud to be led by Jody Gerson, a true aspiration for me and my team, and Marc Cimino who provides incredible support and trust.” 

Fang joins UMPG with a strong background in media and global markets. He most recently served as Head of Production at BASE Media, a studio which provides high-quality content and vendor services to both China and U.S. partners. In this role, Fang led a core team of creative executives and producers in locating high-quality intellectual properties and developing them into premium content for U.S. and China markets.

Previous, Fang served as Chief Business Director of Media, China Fortune Land Development where he led global business strategy for new media and built commercial relationships within the media industry. Fang has also served in director, producer and consulting roles for high-level studios and production companies including: Pinewood Studios (UK), National Film Capital (CN) where he oversaw Chinese superhero films with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, and Five Star Media/The Travel Channel (CN). During the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, Fang worked at Beijing Olympic Broadcast as chief post director, creating live contents for stadiums and arenas.

UMPG recently joined the Music Copyright Society of China (MCSC) and is working with MCSC in China to: support local songwriters and help them achieve their greatest creative and commercial potential; protect intellectual property rights; maximize the value of musical works; and provide songwriters with transparent and timely royalty distribution systems. Further, and in order to foster a healthy music copyright environment in China, UMPG is also deepening its cooperation with Chinese DSPs, tech companies and content providers.