IT'S OFFICIAL: JODY'S IN AT UMPG

We told you earlier this week, but now it’s official: Jody Gerson has been named Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group worldwide, reporting to UMG chief Lucian Grainge.

Gerson, currently Co-President of Sony/ATV Publishing, on Jan. 1 succeeds current UMPG head Zach Horowitz, who is "exploring other opportunities," according to the announcement.

Noters are noting that Gerson is the first woman to become Chairman/CEO of a major music publisher.

"Jody Gerson is simply one of the best music publishers in the business, and we are thrilled that she will be bringing her creativity, savvy and vast experience to UMPG," noted Grainge. "Jody represents a new breed of music industry leadership, with a keen understanding of the evolving role of music publishers in the digital era and a track record of artist successes that places her among all-time greats. I’m excited for what we will accomplish together."
　

Grainge added, "On behalf of everyone at the company, let me extend our profound gratitude to Zach for his adept stewardship of UMPG and his decades of service to UMG. His versatility as an executive and leader is extremely rare and we wish him only the best."　

"I couldn't be prouder of Jody and I will be sorry to see her go," said Gerson's longtime boss and mentor, music-publishing king Marty Bandier. "I have worked with her for many years, firstly when I ran EMI Music Publishing and for the last six years at Sony/ATV and have seen her grow into one of the most successful and influential executives in the business. I wish her all the best for the future."

Sony/ATV notes that while a successor to Gerson is sought, Jonas Kant, Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, and Jennifer Knoepfle, Vice President of A&R, will together run the Los Angeles office, and will report to Bandier.

In addition to Bandier, Sony/ATV's U.K. Managing Director/EMI Music Publishing & President, European Creative Guy Moot and Sony/ATV Co-Prexy Danny Strick, who oversees East Coast A&R, will be available to the West Coast team for their input on all A&R matters.

Upped to EVP, Worldwide　Head of Advertising, Film & TV, Brian Monaco will continue to oversee the company's sync operation for commercial music and take on some of Gerson's duties.

The well-liked, highly respected Gerson began her career at Chappell Music, working with artists such as R.E.M., Rod Stewart and Bernie Taupin. She spent six years there before being hired by Bandier to run the East Coast office of EMI Music Publishing. Early in that tenure she inked Nelson, who went on to multiplatinum sales. Under Bandier’s wing, Gerson proved highly effective in both creative and administrative pursuits.

She was placed in charge of the L.A. office in 1992 and quickly inked hip-hop collective Arrested Development, which took the Best New Artist Grammy in 1993. Her subsequent signings included hitmaking producers Jermaine Dupri and Dallas Austin, Enrique Iglesias, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys and Norah Jones. She also produced several films, including the hit Drumline.

After he took the reins of Sony/ATV, Bandier brought Gerson in as Co-President in 2008; her first signing in that capacity was an unknown singer/songwriter who called herself Lady Gaga. She’s worked closely with such artists as Mac Miller, Pitbull, RedOne, Shakira and Pharrell Williams as well, and her signing Nasri Atweh, the singer/songwriter of Magic!, and author of smash "Rude."

In 2012, the EMI pub empire Bandier built was brought back under his banner at Sony/ATV.