Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Universal Music Group’s leading global music publishing division, today announced that music executive Cristina Chavez has joined the company in the role of Vice President, A&R, effective immediately. Based in Santa Monica, Chavez reports to David Gray, Executive Vice President and Head of US A&R at UMPG.
In her new role, Chavez will work closely with songwriters on UMPG’s existing roster and will also identify and sign rising talent to the company. A respected music executive and trusted partner to artists, Chavez has a strong background in the music business, having played a key role in the development and success of Grammy Award-winning multiplatinum producers and songwriters.
In making the announcement, Gray said: “Cristina’s experience as a manager, her strong relationships with talent, and her love of songwriters and songwriting make her a perfect fit for UMPG and our writers. We look forward to helping Cristina’s executive career grow at our company.”
Chavez said: “I am thrilled to be joining UMPG and its exceptional A&R team. Jody Gerson and David Gray are such respected publishing leaders, and I knew from our early conversations that this is where I am supposed to be. I look forward to adding value to our already amazing team and roster.”
Before joining UMPG, Chavez worked at Hallwood Media as Senior Vice President of A&R and Management. In this role, she helped lead projects for Chller who wrote The Game’s 2022 hit “Eazy” (featuring Kanye West), Needlz (for Cardi B, Drake, Bruno Mars) and Dimitri McDowell (for Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign).
Prior, Chavez worked as an executive at ASCAP where she orchestrated initiatives with Women Behind The Music and She Is The Music, and hosted high-profile activations with Tierra Whack and Rico Nasty, among others. The Bay Area native has also held roles at 106 KMEL, BET and 106 & Park in New York. Chavez powered BET’s influential Music Matters brand, not only booking but piloting early career relationships with Kendrick Lamar, H.E.R., J. Cole, Big Sean, Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, and more for events and interviews. She also oversaw Music Matters’ presence at SXSW, A3C and MegaFest where she worked with superstars including Pharrell, Meek Mill, and T.I.
