UMPG celebrated outstanding success at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards, representing 15 of Sunday night's Grammy Award winners, who garnered trophies across 19 genre-diverse categories, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. In addition, UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson received the Recording Academy’s 2025 Industry Icon Award, recognizing her transformative leadership and impact on the music industry.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has appointed Jamie Kinelski to the position of Senior Vice President of A&R, it was announced today by UMPG Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. A&R Jennifer Knoepfle, to whom Kinelski reports. Kinelski is based in the company’s New York offices. In her new position, Kinelski will sign, develop and guide the evolution of emerging and established songwriters, artists and producers, while further solidifying UMPG’s standing as a frontrunner in cultivating talent. Kinelski will also work closely with Knoepfle to strengthen and expand the company’s U.S. A&R team, fostering its growth and ensuring it continues to attract and support exceptional creative talent.
Universal Music Group’s Global Classics & Jazz (GCJ) division has today announced the appointment of Natasha Baldwin to the newly-created leadership role of President, Global Classics, Jazz & Screen, effective immediately. This title reflects her unique dual position: she will continue her work within Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), where she is currently Executive Vice President of Classics & Screen, leading UMPG’s global classical and screen composer businesses.
She will also take on an expanded remit for GCJ’s world-leading classical and jazz record labels including Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Blue Note, Verve, Hyperion and ECM. Baldwin will oversee the international strategy for GCJ’s exceptional roster of artists which includes Andrea Bocelli, Max Richter, Jon Batiste, Samara Joy, Ludovico Einaudi, Lang Lang, Lise Davidsen and many more.
For the 67th GRAMMY Awards nominations, UMPG songwriters, artists, producers and composers earned a record 111 nominations spanning 51 categories! Across genres, our talent contributed to many of this year’s most influential and culturally significant songs.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) Executive Vice President Jennifer Knoepfle has been promoted to Head of U.S. A&R, it was announced today by UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, to whom Knoepfle reports. Knoepfle will continue to be based in the company’s Santa Monica headquarters and serve as an EVP of the company.
Leading UK music supervision company 45RPM has announced the launch of a music publishing arm with the support of Universal Music Publishing Group, a leading, global music publishing company. At the core of 45RPM's ethos is the provision of a comprehensive, full-service experience for clients, offering unparalleled creative guidance in soundtrack development, composer partnerships, rights negotiation, budget management and on-camera music supervision. By venturing into music publishing, 45RPM will spotlight exceptionally talented composers and songwriters positioned for success in the world of Film, TV, Advertising, and Gaming.
David Gray has been promoted to Managing Director, U.K. and Head of Global A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leader in global music publishing, it was announced today by UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, to whom Gray reports. Gray will relocate to London from New York in January. Passing the reins to Gray is longtime UMPG U.K. Managing Director Mike McCormack, who has established a consultancy and formed a joint venture with the company.
Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced an expanded global, multi-year agreement that will further evolve the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp.