Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading music publisher, today announced an exclusive long-term agreement under which UMPG will represent Lionsgate’s music publishing properties worldwide, including musical compositions and scores.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced David Kokakis has been elevated to the newly-created role of Chief Counsel where he will continue leading UMPG’s Business and Legal Affairs team and the company’s digital rights management. He will remain based in UMPG’s global headquarters in Santa Monica and report to Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer of UMPG.  

In his new role, Kokakis will also work closely with labels at parent company Universal Music Group (UMG) to maximize synergies between, and digital revenues for, publishing and recorded music assets. As part of this position, he will additionally report to Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Universal Music Group worldwide. 

Fans can take a chance on the musical sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” which is out 20th July. The film soundtrack includes some of ABBA's most iconic songs performed by the cast including newest member Cher.

The 63rd Ivor Novello Awards honoured UMPG writers Shane MacGowan and Steve Mac. Shane MacGowan was presented with The Ivors Inspiration Award – in recognition of the power of his songwriting to inspire the creative talents of others. Steve Mac won the award for PRS For Music Most Performed Work, for co-writing Ed Sheeran's ‘Shape Of You'. 

Billboard has released it’s 2018 International Power Players list which includes four Universal Music Publishing Group executives. Andrew Jenkins (President of Australia and Asia Pacific, UMPG), Alexandra Lioutikoff (Executive VP Latin America and US Latin, UMPG) and Mike McCormack (Managing Director UK, UMPG) are all recognized in the Publishing category, whilst Jackie Alway, (SVP International Legal & Industry Affairs, UMPG) is included in the Trade Groups category. 

Check out the great article in Red Bull's magazine "The Red Bulletin" about Fever Ray and her crew breaking boundaries on tour - "an atmosphere of total transparency: of community, compassion, freedom and empowerment".

Universal Music Publishing Scandinavia are happy to announce the global signing of artist, songwriter and producer Soleima.

Sync Spotlight: 'How Deep Is Your Love' (written by Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb) is featured in Dutch Film The Matchmaker.

Artists and writers signed to Universal Music Publishing have received 5 nominations for the 63rd Ivor Novello awards. Steve Mac, Benny Blanco, Dan Jones, Benjamin Wallfisch and Daughter have been nominated in a variety of categories. 

Universal Music Publishing Group was named Publisher of the Year at the 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. The company’s songwriters contributed to 22 of ASCAP’s Most Performed Pop Songs of 2017. Special honours were given to Steve Mac who was awarded Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for “Shape Of You.” Justin Bieber’s “Despacito” was awarded Most Streamed Song of the Year.