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'''Jody Gerson''' (born 1961 in [[Philadelphia]])<ref name="nytimes 2002">{{cite web|author=Laura M. Holson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/27/arts/music-bolstering-a-career-from-the-beginning.html |title=Bolstering a Career From the Beginning |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 27, 2002}}</ref> is the Chairman and CEO of [[Universal Music Publishing Group]].<ref name="billboard1">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/6205164/jody-gerson-named-head-of-universal-music-publishing-group |title=Jody Gerson Named Head of Universal Music Publishing Group |publisher=Billboard |date=2014-08-01 |accessdate=2015-03-10}}</ref> Upon assuming the role on January 1, 2015, Gerson became the first female to run a major record company<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Dodero|first1=Camille|title=Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson on Why the Music Industry Has Yet to Have a #MeToo Moment|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8096591/jody-gerson-interview-metoo-music-industry-universal-music-publishing-group|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> and first chairwoman of a global music company.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9331313/universal-music-chairman-jody-gerson-abe-olman-publisher-award-2020-songwriters-hall-of-fame|title=UMPG's Jody Gerson to Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publisher Award|date=2020-03-11|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref>
'''Jody Gerson''' (born 1961 in [[Philadelphia]])<ref name="nytimes 2002">{{cite web|author=Laura M. Holson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/27/arts/music-bolstering-a-career-from-the-beginning.html |title=Bolstering a Career From the Beginning |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 27, 2002}}</ref> is the Chairman and CEO of [[Universal Music Publishing Group]].<ref name="billboard1">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/6205164/jody-gerson-named-head-of-universal-music-publishing-group |title=Jody Gerson Named Head of Universal Music Publishing Group |publisher=Billboard |date=2014-08-01 |accessdate=2015-03-10}}</ref> Upon assuming the role on January 1, 2015, Gerson became the first female CEO of a major music publisher<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jody Gerson, the first woman to run a major music publishing company, is going into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame|url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/jody-gerson-20191018.html|website=Inquirer|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> and first chairwoman of a global music company.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9331313/universal-music-chairman-jody-gerson-abe-olman-publisher-award-2020-songwriters-hall-of-fame|title=UMPG's Jody Gerson to Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publisher Award|date=2020-03-11|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> Gerson also serves on the Executive Management Board for [[Universal Music Group]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing|url=https://www.universalmusic.com/executives/jody-gerson/|website=Universal Music|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Gerson was raised in a [[American Jews|Jewish]] family<ref>Gensler, Andy and Halperin, Shirley [http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6259228/where-music-biz-celebrates-jewish-high-holidays "Houses of the Holy: Where the Music Biz Celebrates the Jewish High Holidays"] ''[[Billboard Magazine]]''. September 23, 2014</ref><ref name=HRMitzvah>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywoods-battles-best-bar-mitzvah-5m-budgets-justin-bieber-camels-945171 Hollywood Reporter: "Hollywood's Battles for the Best Bar Mitzvah: $5M Budgets, Justin Bieber and Camels" by Carson Griffith] November 11, 2016 |</ref> in the Philadelphia area, where her father owned several nightclubs including the [[Latin Casino]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/jody-gerson-philadelphia-alliance-walk-fame-1203381098/|title=Universal Music Publishing Group's Jody Gerson Honored by Hometown of Philadelphia|last=Amorosi|first=A. D.|date=2019-10-23|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> whose performers included artists like [[Frank Sinatra]] and [[Diana Ross]].<ref name=BillExecYear /> She began her career in music publishing at Chappell Music shortly after graduating from [[Northwestern University]],<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://gallatin.nyu.edu/utilities/events/2013/11/gerson_roundtable/gerson_bio.html |title=NYU Gallatin > Events Calendar > Dean's Roundtable with Jody Gerson > Jody Gerson's Bio |accessdate=2015-01-30 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20150130201139/http://gallatin.nyu.edu/utilities/events/2013/11/gerson_roundtable/gerson_bio.html |archivedate=2015-01-30 }}</ref> where she started out making tape copies.<ref name=BillExecYear /> After six years at Chappell, she moved to [[EMI Music Publishing]] to run the company's east coast office<ref name="billboard1"/> before shifting to head up the company's west coast publishing division in 1991. In January 2008, Gerson left EMI to become US Co-President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> In 2015, Gerson joined Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) as Chairman and CEO. Under her leadership,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/jody-gerson-led-universal-music-publishing-group-is-now-a-billion-dollar-business/|title=Jody Gerson-led Universal Music Publishing Group is now officially a billion-dollar business|date=2019-02-14|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> UMPG's competitive and financial performance improved, growing its revenue 56%<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8550955/universal-music-group-2019-earnings-revenue-ipo-plans-umg|title=Universal Music Group Revenues Pass $7.7 Billion in 2019, IPO Planned By 2023|date=2020-02-13|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> and becoming a billion-dollar business.<ref name=":1" /> Gerson has also led the signings and extensions of artists and songwriters including the [[Bee Gees]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bee-gees-musical-way-thanks-deal-universal-music-group/|title=Bee Gees musical on the way thanks to deal with Universal Music Group|date=2017-11-08|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8548433/jody-gerson-power-executive-of-the-year-interview|title=Jody Gerson, Billboard's Power Executive of the Year|date=2020-01-23|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Elton John]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eltonjohn-idUSKCN1M121P|title=Elton John signs with Universal 'for the rest of his career'|date=2018-09-21|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-03-23|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> [[Carly Simon]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8098827/carly-simon-universal-music-publishing-global-administration|title=Carly Simon Signs Global Administration Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2018-02-08|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Bruce Springsteen]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/bruce-springsteen-signs-universal-music-publishing-group-1202510851/|title=Bruce Springsteen Signs With Universal Music Publishing|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|date=2017-07-31|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> Prince,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7564779/prince-estate-signs-universal-music-publishing|title=Prince's Estate Signs With Universal Music Publishing|date=2016-11-02|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Taylor Swift]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8550299/taylor-swift-signs-universal-music-publishing-group|title=Taylor Swift Signs With UMPG|date=2020-02-06|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Billie Eilish]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8484245/billie-eilish-lands-co-publishing-deal-universal-music-publishing|title=Billie Eilish Lands Co-Publishing Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2018-11-09|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Rosalía (singer)|Rosalia]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-worlds-next-pop-superstar-rosalia-signs-global-deal-with-universal-music-publishing-group/|title=The world's next pop superstar? Rosalía signs global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2019-06-04|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> Alicia Keys,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8529148/alicia-keys-moves-catalog-universal-music-publishing-group|title=Alicia Keys Moves Catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2019-09-05|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Coldplay]],<ref name=":2" /> Justin Bieber,<ref name=":2" /> [[Jack White]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/jack-white-universal-music-publishing-group-1202401339/|title=Jack White Signs Worldwide Agreement With Universal Music Publishing Group|last=Trakin|first=Roy|date=2017-04-27|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[SZA (singer)|SZA]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Quavo]],<ref name=":0"/> [[Ariana Grande]], [[H.E.R.]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Harry Styles]], [[Jeff Bhasker]], [[Maren Morris]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8525759/maren-morris-universal-music-publishing-group-deal-umpg|title=Maren Morris Inks Worldwide Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2019-08-01|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Tierra Whack]],<ref name=":0" /> [[Halsey (singer)|Halsey]], [[Demi Lovato]], [[Shawn Mendes]], [[Tobias Jesso Jr.]], [[Travis Scott]], [[Joe Jonas]], [[Nick Jonas]], [[Maroon 5]], [[R.E.M.]], [[Pearl Jam]] and [[Post Malone]], and more.<ref name=BillExecYear /> In 2016, she also negotiated a deal for UMPG to be the exclusive worldwide publishing administrator for [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]’s entire song catalog.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7564779/prince-estate-signs-universal-music-publishing|title=Prince's Estate Signs With Universal Music Publishing|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
Gerson was raised in a [[American Jews|Jewish]] family<ref>Gensler, Andy and Halperin, Shirley [http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6259228/where-music-biz-celebrates-jewish-high-holidays "Houses of the Holy: Where the Music Biz Celebrates the Jewish High Holidays"] ''[[Billboard Magazine]]''. September 23, 2014</ref><ref name=HRMitzvah>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywoods-battles-best-bar-mitzvah-5m-budgets-justin-bieber-camels-945171 Hollywood Reporter: "Hollywood's Battles for the Best Bar Mitzvah: $5M Budgets, Justin Bieber and Camels" by Carson Griffith] November 11, 2016 |</ref> in the Philadelphia area, where her father owned several nightclubs including the [[Latin Casino]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/jody-gerson-philadelphia-alliance-walk-fame-1203381098/|title=Universal Music Publishing Group's Jody Gerson Honored by Hometown of Philadelphia|last=Amorosi|first=A. D.|date=2019-10-23|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> whose performers included artists like [[Frank Sinatra]] and [[Diana Ross]].<ref name=BillExecYear /> She began her career in music publishing at Chappell Music shortly after graduating from [[Northwestern University]],<ref name="nyu">{{cite web |url=http://gallatin.nyu.edu/utilities/events/2013/11/gerson_roundtable/gerson_bio.html |title=NYU Gallatin > Events Calendar > Dean's Roundtable with Jody Gerson > Jody Gerson's Bio |accessdate=2015-01-30 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20150130201139/http://gallatin.nyu.edu/utilities/events/2013/11/gerson_roundtable/gerson_bio.html |archivedate=2015-01-30 }}</ref> where she started out making tape copies.<ref name=BillExecYear /> After six years at Chappell, she moved to [[EMI Music Publishing]] to run the company's east coast office<ref name="billboard1"/> before shifting to head up the company's west coast publishing division in 1991. In January 2008, Gerson left EMI to become US Co-President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.<ref name="nyu"/>
In 2015, Gerson joined Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) as Chairman and CEO. Under her leadership,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/jody-gerson-led-universal-music-publishing-group-is-now-a-billion-dollar-business/|title=Jody Gerson-led Universal Music Publishing Group is now officially a billion-dollar business|date=2019-02-14|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> UMPG's annual revenue has more than doubled into 1.8 billion dollars in business.<ref name="bbrpii">{{Cite web|title=Jody Gerson to Receive 2023 Ralph Peer II Award From International Music Publishers|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/jody-gerson-ralph-peer-ii-award-global-music-publishing/|website=Billboard|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref>
Gerson has led the signings and extensions of artists and songwriters including the [[Bee Gees]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bee-gees-musical-way-thanks-deal-universal-music-group/|title=Bee Gees musical on the way thanks to deal with Universal Music Group|date=2017-11-08|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8548433/jody-gerson-power-executive-of-the-year-interview|title=Jody Gerson, Billboard's Power Executive of the Year|date=2020-01-23|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Elton John]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eltonjohn-idUSKCN1M121P|title=Elton John signs with Universal 'for the rest of his career'|date=2018-09-21|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-03-23|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> [[Carly Simon]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8098827/carly-simon-universal-music-publishing-global-administration|title=Carly Simon Signs Global Administration Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2018-02-08|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Bruce Springsteen]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/bruce-springsteen-signs-universal-music-publishing-group-1202510851/|title=Bruce Springsteen Signs With Universal Music Publishing|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|date=2017-07-31|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Prince (musician)|Prince]],<ref name="prince">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7564779/prince-estate-signs-universal-music-publishing|title=Prince's Estate Signs With Universal Music Publishing|date=2016-11-02|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Taylor Swift]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8550299/taylor-swift-signs-universal-music-publishing-group|title=Taylor Swift Signs With UMPG|date=2020-02-06|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Kendrick Lamar]], [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], [[Steve Lacy]], [[Bad Bunny]], [[The Weeknd]],<ref name="bbrpii" /> [[Billie Eilish]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8484245/billie-eilish-lands-co-publishing-deal-universal-music-publishing|title=Billie Eilish Lands Co-Publishing Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2018-11-09|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Rosalía]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-worlds-next-pop-superstar-rosalia-signs-global-deal-with-universal-music-publishing-group/|title=The world's next pop superstar? Rosalía signs global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2019-06-04|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Alicia Keys]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8529148/alicia-keys-moves-catalog-universal-music-publishing-group|title=Alicia Keys Moves Catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2019-09-05|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Coldplay]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Justin Bieber]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Jack White]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/jack-white-universal-music-publishing-group-1202401339/|title=Jack White Signs Worldwide Agreement With Universal Music Publishing Group|last=Trakin|first=Roy|date=2017-04-27|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[SZA (singer)|SZA]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Quavo]],<ref name=":0"/> [[Ariana Grande]], [[H.E.R.]],<ref name=":2" /> [[Harry Styles]], [[Jeff Bhasker]], [[Maren Morris]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8525759/maren-morris-universal-music-publishing-group-deal-umpg|title=Maren Morris Inks Worldwide Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group|date=2019-08-01|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> [[Tierra Whack]],<ref name=":0" /> [[Halsey (singer)|Halsey]], [[Demi Lovato]], [[Shawn Mendes]], [[Tobias Jesso Jr.]], [[Travis Scott]], [[Joe Jonas]], [[Nick Jonas]], [[Maroon 5]], [[R.E.M.]], [[Pearl Jam]], [[Post Malone]], and more.<ref name=BillExecYear />
Gerson also led UMPG's acquisitions of the catalogs of [[Sting (musician)|Sting]], [[Neil Diamond]], [[Frank Zappa]] and others.<ref name="bbrpii" /> In 2016, she negotiated a deal for UMPG to be the exclusive worldwide publishing administrator for Prince's entire song catalog.<ref name="prince" />

In 2020, Gerson led UMPG's purchase of [[Bob Dylan|Bob Dylan's]] entire songwriting catalog, considered to be the biggest acquisition ever of a single act's publishing rights.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bob Dylan Sells His Songwriting Catalog in Blockbuster Deal|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/arts/music/bob-dylan-universal-music.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref>
Previous to UMPG,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jody-gerson-jumps-sony-atv-722923|title=Jody Gerson Jumps From Sony/ATV to Universal, Becomes Highest Ranking Woman in Publishing|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 2014 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> Gerson has signed many successful songwriters throughout her career in music publishing, including [[Lady Gaga]], [[Norah Jones]], [[Odd Future]], [[Jermaine Dupri]], and a then 15-year-old [[Alicia Keys]]. Gerson has also played an instrumental role in the careers of [[Enrique Iglesias]], [[Pharrell Williams]], [[Mac Miller]], [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], [[RedOne]], and [[Dallas Austin]], among others.<ref name="billboard1"/>
Previous to UMPG,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jody-gerson-jumps-sony-atv-722923|title=Jody Gerson Jumps From Sony/ATV to Universal, Becomes Highest Ranking Woman in Publishing|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 2014 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> Gerson has signed many successful songwriters throughout her career in music publishing, including [[Lady Gaga]], [[Norah Jones]], [[Odd Future]], [[Jermaine Dupri]], and a then 15-year-old Alicia Keys. Gerson has also played an instrumental role in the careers of [[Enrique Iglesias]], [[Pharrell Williams]], [[Mac Miller]], [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], [[RedOne]], and [[Dallas Austin]], among others.<ref name="billboard1"/>


In addition to her work in music, Gerson produced the movies ''[[Drumline (film)|Drumline]]'' and ''ATL''. ''Drumline'' is currently being adapted for Broadway. She is also executive producer of [[VH1]]'s ''Drumline 2''.<ref name="billboard1"/> She is a board member of the National Music Publishers Association.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nmpa.org/aboutnmpa/gerson.asp |title=NMPA |publisher=NMPA |date=2014-05-13 |accessdate=2015-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206080223/http://nmpa.org/aboutnmpa/gerson.asp |archive-date=2015-02-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In addition to her work in music, Gerson produced the movies ''[[Drumline (film)|Drumline]]'' and ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''. ''Drumline'' is currently being adapted for Broadway. She is also executive producer of [[VH1]]'s ''Drumline 2''.<ref name="billboard1"/> Gerson executive produced the Emmy-nominated documentary ''[[The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart]]'', as well as [[HBO|HBO's]] ''Music Box'' series. She is a board member of the National Music Publishers Association.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nmpa.org/aboutnmpa/gerson.asp |title=NMPA |publisher=NMPA |date=2014-05-13 |accessdate=2015-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206080223/http://nmpa.org/aboutnmpa/gerson.asp |archive-date=2015-02-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Charitable work==
Gerson co-founded the global nonprofit She Is The Music and serves on boards of directors of the [[USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism|USC Annenberg]] Inclusion Initiative, [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame]] and [[National Music Publishers' Association|The National Music Publishers' Association]], among others.<ref name="bbrpii" />


==Recognition==
==Recognition==
On December 3, 2015, Gerson was named 'Executive of the Year' by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard Magazine]]'' in its Women in Music 2015 issue.<ref name=BillExecYear>Halperin, Shirley [http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/6784832/jody-gerson-executive-year-2015 "Women in Music 2015: Jody Gerson Named Executive of the Year"] ''[[Billboard Magazine]]''. December 3, 2015</ref> In 2016 she was named "Inspiring Woman of the Year" by the March of Dimes, and named to the ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' Power of Women L.A. list.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/gallery/power-of-women-impact-report-2016-la/|title=Power of Women L.A. Impact Report|date=October 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marchofdimes.org/news/march-of-dimes-raises-14-million-at-6th-annual-celebration-of-babies-a-hollywood-luncheon.aspx|title=March of Dimes Raises $1.4 Million at 6th Annual Celebration of Babies®: A Hollywood Luncheon|website=www.marchofdimes.org}}</ref> She has appeared on the ''Billboard'' Power 100 every year from 2016 to 2023. <ref>{{Cite web |last=DiGiacomo |first=Frank |date=2023-02-02 |title=Billboard’s 2023 Power 100: Executives List Revealed |url=https://www.billboard.com/h/billboard-2023-power-100-executives-list/ |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Billboard Staff|date=2022-01-26|title=The 2022 Billboard Power List Revealed|url=https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/billboard-2022-power-list-1235022798/|access-date=2022-01-26|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8096245/no-8-jody-gerson-power-100|title=No. 8: Jody Gerson {{!}} Power 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-02-01}}</ref> and 2019. In 2020, she was named by ''Billboard'' as "Executive of the Year", becoming the first music publisher and first woman to receive this honor.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8548433/jody-gerson-power-executive-of-the-year-interview|title=Jody Gerson of Universal Music Publishing Group: Executive of the Year|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-02-05}}</ref> Gerson will receive the [[Abe Olman]] Publisher Award at the 51st annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9331313/universal-music-chairman-jody-gerson-abe-olman-publisher-award-2020-songwriters-hall-of-fame|title=UMPG's Jody Gerson to Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publisher Award|date=2020-03-11|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
On December 3, 2015, Gerson was named 'Executive of the Year' by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard Magazine]]'' in its Women in Music 2015 issue.<ref name=BillExecYear>Halperin, Shirley [http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/6784832/jody-gerson-executive-year-2015 "Women in Music 2015: Jody Gerson Named Executive of the Year"] ''[[Billboard Magazine]]''. December 3, 2015</ref> In 2016 she was named "Inspiring Woman of the Year" by the March of Dimes, and named to the ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' Power of Women L.A. list.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/gallery/power-of-women-impact-report-2016-la/|title=Power of Women L.A. Impact Report|date=October 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marchofdimes.org/news/march-of-dimes-raises-14-million-at-6th-annual-celebration-of-babies-a-hollywood-luncheon.aspx|title=March of Dimes Raises $1.4 Million at 6th Annual Celebration of Babies®: A Hollywood Luncheon|website=www.marchofdimes.org}}</ref> She has appeared on the ''Billboard'' Power 100 every year from 2016 to 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiGiacomo |first=Frank |date=2023-02-02 |title=Billboard’s 2023 Power 100: Executives List Revealed |url=https://www.billboard.com/h/billboard-2023-power-100-executives-list/ |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Billboard Staff|date=2022-01-26|title=The 2022 Billboard Power List Revealed|url=https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/billboard-2022-power-list-1235022798/|access-date=2022-01-26|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8096245/no-8-jody-gerson-power-100|title=No. 8: Jody Gerson {{!}} Power 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-02-01}}</ref>. In 2020, Gerson was named by ''Billboard'' as "Executive of the Year", becoming the first music publisher and first woman to receive this honor.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8548433/jody-gerson-power-executive-of-the-year-interview|title=Jody Gerson of Universal Music Publishing Group: Executive of the Year|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-02-05}}</ref> Gerson received the [[Abe Olman]] Publisher Award at the 51st annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9331313/universal-music-chairman-jody-gerson-abe-olman-publisher-award-2020-songwriters-hall-of-fame|title=UMPG's Jody Gerson to Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publisher Award|date=2020-03-11|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>

In May 2023, Gerson received the ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=JODY GERSON TO RECEIVE ICMP RALPH PEER II AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL MUSIC PUBLISHING|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/jody-gerson-to-receive-icmp-ralph-peer-ii-award-for-outstanding-contribution-to-global-music-publishing/|website=Music Business Worldwide|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> Gerson has been named repeatedly on the ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' 500,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jody Gerson - Variety500|url=https://variety.com/exec/jody-gerson/|website=Variety|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> as well as listed on ''[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone's]]'' Future 25.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Future 25: Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/features/future-25-jody-gerson-ceo-of-universal-music-publishing-group-889784/|access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==

Revision as of 21:59, 11 September 2023

Jody Gerson
Born1961
Philadelphia
NationalityAmerican
EducationBachelor of Arts Northwestern University, The Baldwin School
Occupation(s)Chairman and Chief executive officer of Universal Music Publishing Group, American music executive
Children3

Jody Gerson (born 1961 in Philadelphia)[1] is the Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group.[2] Upon assuming the role on January 1, 2015, Gerson became the first female CEO of a major music publisher[3] and first chairwoman of a global music company.[4] Gerson also serves on the Executive Management Board for Universal Music Group.[5]

Career

Gerson was raised in a Jewish family[6][7] in the Philadelphia area, where her father owned several nightclubs including the Latin Casino[8] whose performers included artists like Frank Sinatra and Diana Ross.[9] She began her career in music publishing at Chappell Music shortly after graduating from Northwestern University,[10] where she started out making tape copies.[9] After six years at Chappell, she moved to EMI Music Publishing to run the company's east coast office[2] before shifting to head up the company's west coast publishing division in 1991. In January 2008, Gerson left EMI to become US Co-President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.[10]

In 2015, Gerson joined Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) as Chairman and CEO. Under her leadership,[11] UMPG's annual revenue has more than doubled into 1.8 billion dollars in business.[12]

Gerson has led the signings and extensions of artists and songwriters including the Bee Gees,[13][14] Elton John,[15][14] Carly Simon,[16] Bruce Springsteen,[17] Prince,[18] Taylor Swift,[19] Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Steve Lacy, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd,[12] Billie Eilish,[20] Rosalía,[21] Alicia Keys,[22] Coldplay,[14] Justin Bieber,[14] Jack White,[23] SZA,[14] Quavo,[8] Ariana Grande, H.E.R.,[14] Harry Styles, Jeff Bhasker, Maren Morris,[24] Tierra Whack,[8] Halsey, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Tobias Jesso Jr., Travis Scott, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Maroon 5, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Post Malone, and more.[9]

Gerson also led UMPG's acquisitions of the catalogs of Sting, Neil Diamond, Frank Zappa and others.[12] In 2016, she negotiated a deal for UMPG to be the exclusive worldwide publishing administrator for Prince's entire song catalog.[18]

In 2020, Gerson led UMPG's purchase of Bob Dylan's entire songwriting catalog, considered to be the biggest acquisition ever of a single act's publishing rights.[25]

Previous to UMPG,[26] Gerson has signed many successful songwriters throughout her career in music publishing, including Lady Gaga, Norah Jones, Odd Future, Jermaine Dupri, and a then 15-year-old Alicia Keys. Gerson has also played an instrumental role in the careers of Enrique Iglesias, Pharrell Williams, Mac Miller, Pitbull, RedOne, and Dallas Austin, among others.[2]

In addition to her work in music, Gerson produced the movies Drumline and ATL. Drumline is currently being adapted for Broadway. She is also executive producer of VH1's Drumline 2.[2] Gerson executive produced the Emmy-nominated documentary The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, as well as HBO's Music Box series. She is a board member of the National Music Publishers Association.[27]

Charitable work

Gerson co-founded the global nonprofit She Is The Music and serves on boards of directors of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and The National Music Publishers' Association, among others.[12]

Recognition

On December 3, 2015, Gerson was named 'Executive of the Year' by Billboard Magazine in its Women in Music 2015 issue.[9] In 2016 she was named "Inspiring Woman of the Year" by the March of Dimes, and named to the Variety Power of Women L.A. list.[28][29] She has appeared on the Billboard Power 100 every year from 2016 to 2023.[30][31][32]. In 2020, Gerson was named by Billboard as "Executive of the Year", becoming the first music publisher and first woman to receive this honor.[33] Gerson received the Abe Olman Publisher Award at the 51st annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner.[34]

In May 2023, Gerson received the ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing.[35] Gerson has been named repeatedly on the Variety 500,[36] as well as listed on Rolling Stone's Future 25.[37]

Personal life

Gerson is divorced from Seth Swirsky and has three children: Julian (1994), Luke (2002), and Daisy (2004).[9]

References

  1. ^ Laura M. Holson (January 27, 2002). "Bolstering a Career From the Beginning". The New York Times.
  2. ^ a b c d "Jody Gerson Named Head of Universal Music Publishing Group". Billboard. 2014-08-01. Retrieved 2015-03-10.
  3. ^ "Jody Gerson, the first woman to run a major music publishing company, is going into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame". Inquirer. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  4. ^ "UMPG's Jody Gerson to Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publisher Award". Billboard. 2020-03-11. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  5. ^ "Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing". Universal Music. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  6. ^ Gensler, Andy and Halperin, Shirley "Houses of the Holy: Where the Music Biz Celebrates the Jewish High Holidays" Billboard Magazine. September 23, 2014
  7. ^ Hollywood Reporter: "Hollywood's Battles for the Best Bar Mitzvah: $5M Budgets, Justin Bieber and Camels" by Carson Griffith November 11, 2016 |
  8. ^ a b c Amorosi, A. D. (2019-10-23). "Universal Music Publishing Group's Jody Gerson Honored by Hometown of Philadelphia". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  9. ^ a b c d e Halperin, Shirley "Women in Music 2015: Jody Gerson Named Executive of the Year" Billboard Magazine. December 3, 2015
  10. ^ a b "NYU Gallatin > Events Calendar > Dean's Roundtable with Jody Gerson > Jody Gerson's Bio". Archived from the original on 2015-01-30. Retrieved 2015-01-30.
  11. ^ "Jody Gerson-led Universal Music Publishing Group is now officially a billion-dollar business". Music Business Worldwide. 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  12. ^ a b c d "Jody Gerson to Receive 2023 Ralph Peer II Award From International Music Publishers". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  13. ^ "Bee Gees musical on the way thanks to deal with Universal Music Group". Music Business Worldwide. 2017-11-08. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Jody Gerson, Billboard's Power Executive of the Year". Billboard. 2020-01-23. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  15. ^ "Elton John signs with Universal 'for the rest of his career'". Reuters. 2018-09-21. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  16. ^ "Carly Simon Signs Global Administration Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group". Billboard. 2018-02-08. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  17. ^ Halperin, Shirley (2017-07-31). "Bruce Springsteen Signs With Universal Music Publishing". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  18. ^ a b "Prince's Estate Signs With Universal Music Publishing". Billboard. 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  19. ^ "Taylor Swift Signs With UMPG". Billboard. 2020-02-06. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  20. ^ "Billie Eilish Lands Co-Publishing Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group". Billboard. 2018-11-09. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  21. ^ "The world's next pop superstar? Rosalía signs global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group". Music Business Worldwide. 2019-06-04. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  22. ^ "Alicia Keys Moves Catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group". Billboard. 2019-09-05. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  23. ^ Trakin, Roy (2017-04-27). "Jack White Signs Worldwide Agreement With Universal Music Publishing Group". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  24. ^ "Maren Morris Inks Worldwide Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group". Billboard. 2019-08-01. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  25. ^ "Bob Dylan Sells His Songwriting Catalog in Blockbuster Deal". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  26. ^ "Jody Gerson Jumps From Sony/ATV to Universal, Becomes Highest Ranking Woman in Publishing". The Hollywood Reporter. August 2014. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  27. ^ "NMPA". NMPA. 2014-05-13. Archived from the original on 2015-02-06. Retrieved 2015-03-10.
  28. ^ "Power of Women L.A. Impact Report". October 11, 2016.
  29. ^ "March of Dimes Raises $1.4 Million at 6th Annual Celebration of Babies®: A Hollywood Luncheon". www.marchofdimes.org.
  30. ^ DiGiacomo, Frank (2023-02-02). "Billboard's 2023 Power 100: Executives List Revealed". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  31. ^ Billboard Staff (2022-01-26). "The 2022 Billboard Power List Revealed". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
  32. ^ "No. 8: Jody Gerson | Power 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
  33. ^ "Jody Gerson of Universal Music Publishing Group: Executive of the Year". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  34. ^ "UMPG's Jody Gerson to Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publisher Award". Billboard. 2020-03-11. Retrieved 2020-03-12.
  35. ^ "JODY GERSON TO RECEIVE ICMP RALPH PEER II AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL MUSIC PUBLISHING". Music Business Worldwide. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  36. ^ "Jody Gerson - Variety500". Variety. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  37. ^ "Future 25: Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group". Retrieved 2023-09-11.
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