Knoepfle also appoints three A&R executives as she broadens team amidst expansive new responsibilities within the company.
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.
In her elevated position, Knoepfle will continue to foster the company’s culture of creative collaboration, nurturing the next generation of both songwriting and A&R talent and reinforcing UMPG’s position as the market leader in talent development. She will expand the company’s U.S. A&R team and lead its executives in identifying, signing and nurturing new and developing songwriters, artists and producers, as well as creating and providing opportunities for legacy talent to enhance their artistry and careers. Knoepfle will also focus on growing UMPG’s unparalleled catalog of contemporary hits and iconic songs.
Among Knoepfle’s initial moves in hiring and elevating A&R executives are the promotion of UMPG’s Daniella Rasho to Director of Global A&R and Deeba Abrishamchi to Director of U.S. A&R. Additionally, she has brought Hollie Boston to the company as Director of U.S. A&R.
In making the announcement, Gerson said, “I am overjoyed to promote Jenn to this much-deserved position as Head of U.S A&R. She embodies everything a creative music executive should be; she possesses the ear to identify the best artists and writers — often early in their careers — and knows how to support, nurture and amplify their talents. Additionally, she is a thoughtful leader and mentor to our A&R team. I couldn’t be more excited to continue working with Jenn for years to come!”
Knoepfle commented, “Every day, I am humbled to work alongside some of the most revered musical talent in the world. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my role at UMPG, where I have the privilege of working with one of the very best executives in the business, Jody Gerson. I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new chapter, growing our incredible A&R team and working with them to pursue my greatest passion: discovering and nurturing talent, which remains the lifeblood of our industry.”
One of the industry’s most successful publishing executives, Knoepfle joined UMPG as Executive Vice President and Co-Head of U.S. A&R in 2022, and has signed a diverse array of songwriters, artists and producers during her tenure that includes Jack Antonoff, Lord Huron, Maggie Rogers and Wallows — all of whom followed Knoepfle to UMPG from her previous position at Sony Music Publishing — Mark Ambor, Lucy Dacus, The Dare, Alex G, Danny L Harle, David Kushner, Lorde, Dylan Neustadter, Steve Rusch, Patrick Wimberly, and Dan Wilson. She also works closely with UMPG songwriter and artist Gracie Abrams.
Knoepfle came to UMPG after 13 years at Sony Music Publishing — most recently as Senior Vice President of Creative — where she began her career in 2009. While at Sony, she signed and/or developed such major writers as the aforementioned Antonoff, Huron and Rogers, as well Bloodpop, Aaron Dessner, Joel Little, Dan Nigro and Ariel Rechtshaid. Artists she signed while at that company include Leon Bridges, Noah Kahan, King Princess, Tate McRae, Wallows, WILLOW, and Remi Wolf.
Prior to her years at Sony, Knoepfle served as senior director of membership at ASCAP from 2005-2009, bringing the Killers and Greg Kurstin to the performing rights organization.