Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, has announced today the appointment of Francisca Goncalves as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sync, Classics, Jazz & Screen. This first of its kind position within UMG’s sync operations will bridge publishing and records, and Francisca will lead the global sync vision for UMG’s classical, jazz, and screen-music ecosystem — from contemporary instrumental and score to folk, blues, and alternative pop — across film, TV, advertising, gaming, and beyond.

Bernie Taupin has been recognised with the Trustees Award from the Recording Academy. The Special Merit Award is presented to individuals who, during their careers in music, have made significant contributions to the recording industry beyond performance, recognising Taupin’s profound influence as a lyricist and creative force in popular music. 

UMPG songwriters, artists, producers and composers were recognized with multiple GRAMMY wins this year, including the “Big Three” of Album, Song and Record of the Year.

Billboard Magazine have named Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson their Executive of the Decade. In the Billboard cover story she discusses AI, diversity in the music business and becoming one of the most influential executives in entertainment.
Photo credit: Billboard 

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publisher, and NWS Music Group, a top independent record label & publishing company based in London, today announced the signing of songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Zach Nahome to an exclusive worldwide music publishing agreement.

Five UMPG songwriters have been inducted into this year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame. Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (Kiss) and Kenny Loggins are all amongst this year’s honorees.

The nominees for the 2026 Oscars have been announced, with UMPG composers and songwriters receiving nominations in both the Original Score and Original Song categories.

UMPG Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson received The International Executive Of The Year award, sponsored by PRS For Music, at the 2025 Music Business UK Awards, presented by the founder of MBW, Tim Ingham.

The Recording Academy have announced nominations for the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, and UMPG songwriters, artists, producers, and composers delivered an outstanding showing, earning 99 nominations across 50 categories.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announce multidisciplinary talent Idris Elba has extended his exclusive, global publishing agreement. 

An adept songwriter, producer, musician, actor, director and DJ, Elba broke into the global music scene with 2022 single “Boasty” (with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul) - which reached No. 1 on the UK Indie Chart and No. 5 on the R&B Chart, and recently surpassed 180M streams.