Universal Music Publishing Group today announced the signing of hit songwriter Brian Lee to an exclusive publishing deal. A Korean-American songwriter, Lee is the powerhouse songwriter behind huge global hits including “Havana” by Camila Cabello, “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony, “Let Me Love You” by DJ Snake & Justin Bieber, “Wolves” by Selena Gomez, “It Ain’t Me” by Kygo & Selena Gomez, “Let Me Go” by Hailee Steinfeld and Alesso ft. Florida Georgia Line and watt, and more.
Rocket Entertainment and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a significant new agreement to provide Elton John, one of music’s most iconic artists and the most successful male solo artist in US Billboard chart history, the industry’s best resources and expertise across recorded music, music publishing and licensing rights. This partnership not only means that UMG represents the entirety of Elton John’s legendary creative output throughout his extraordinary five-decade career, but also will see UMG’s labels globally release all of Elton John’s new music for the rest of his career going forward.
Universal Music Publishing Group today announced that global music icon and Top Dawg Entertainment recording artist SZA will be named as the first-ever “She Is The Music” honoree, recognizing female songwriters for their contributions to music and impact on culture. UMPG Global Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson will present the award at Songs of Hope XIV, the event benefitting world-renowned independent cancer research and treatment center City of Hope.
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 announced today that Mark Coltman has been promoted to EVP, Information Technology. Coltman will continue to be based out of London and will report to UMPG’s CFO, Worldwide JW Beekman and EVP, Global Administration John Reston.
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.
Universal Music Publishing Group today announced the signing of multiplatinum-selling songwriter-record producer Nija Charles to an exclusive publishing deal. Nija has quickly become one of the most in-demand and prolific writers in the industry. Since signing to UMPG, Nija has written songs recorded by a wide variety of superstars including Beyonce and Jay-Z (“Heard About Us” and “LoveHappy”); Cardi B ft. SZA ("I Do); Cardi B ft. Kehlani ("Ring"); Jason Derulo for the 2018 Official World Cup and Coca-Cola anthem ("Colors”); and Chris Brown ("Pull Up").
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.