Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, has been awarded the International Confederation of Music Publishers’ (ICMP) Ralph Peer ll Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing.

The award pays tribute to music publishing leaders demonstrating exceptional, global work, while protecting and promoting the work of songwriters and composers. Jody Gerson is the first female Chairman of a global music company to receive this honour. It was presented following ICMP’s 2023 AGM at the renowned Abbey Road Studios in London on 10 July 2023.

Ralph Peer II, ICMP Honorary President and Peer Music Executive Chair, said: “I am particularly delighted the ICMP membership have chosen Jody for this year’s award recipient. Jody has tirelessly advocated to defend songwriters’ rights and the value of music on a global scale. This award celebrates Jody’s commitment and actions to enhance the livelihoods of songwriters and music companies and to safeguard the future of music creators worldwide.”

Presenting the award, Marcus Mumford said: “What I love about Jody is that I think she’s best in class. To me songs are about people, and they’re for people, and I think Jody really gets people - that’s what makes her so brilliant with artists. I wouldn’t rather anyone else in the world look after my songs.”

On receiving the award, Jody Gerson said: “Since I became a music publisher I’ve devoted my career to supporting, championing, and believing in songwriters. I know everyone in this room at Abbey Road is here today not only because we share a love for music, but because we recognise it all starts with a song.”