David Gray Appointed UK managing director of Universal Music Publishing Group, succeeding Mike McCormackAfter nearly nine years in the role, he is stepping down to form a new consultancy and joint venture with UMPG. In addition to running the company’s UK arm, Gray will take on the newly created role of global head of A&R at UMPG.
Gray’s promotion was announced Tuesday (October 15) by UMPG Chairman and CEO Jody Gersonwhom he called “one of the most creative A&R executives I know.”
Gray most recently served as UMPG’s executive vice president and co-head of U.S. A&R, as well as head of the company’s Global Creative Group, which he and Gerson formed in 2022 to serve songwriters, producers, artists and executives around the world. More opportunities are available within the scope.
Global Creative Group’s successful projects include Colombian artist Feid and American hip-hop producer ATL Jacob’s “Luna”, which topped the charts in several countries, and Brazilian artist Luísa Sonza’s album intimacy scandalFollowing last year’s release, the album became Spotify’s third-biggest first-ever Latin female album.
Gray’s artists signed to UMPG include Sabrina Carpenter, Stephen Sanchez, Julia Michaels, Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato.
In the new expanded role, Gray will be responsible for leading the management and creative direction of UMPG’s London office, overseeing the signing and development of songwriters, artists and producers, as well as supporting the company’s existing roster. Universal Music Publishing Group said Gray will move from New York to London in January.
In announcing the appointment, Gerson praised Gray’s “talent for identifying and building careers for songwriters, artists and producers” and his “leadership and mentorship of the next generation of publishers.”
“I want to thank Jodi for her continued belief in me and for shaping a company built on A&R, creativity and belief in songwriters and artists, which is at the core of our ethos,” said Gray, who said in 2013 Joined the company in 2016 and previously held positions at Zomba, Sony Music International and Simon Cowellof Syco Music, where he developed artists who were signed to the label through television shows X factor and talented Franchise.
Before becoming a music executive, Gray signed with UMPG as the lead singer of the band Idle Wilds.
Gerson also thanked McCormack for his “many contributions” to UMPG during his nearly nine years as UK managing director. “I deeply cherished him as a friend and colleague,” Gerson said in a statement. “I am delighted that he will continue to be a part of the UMPG family.”
In a memo sent to employees, this memo has been viewed advertising billboardMcCormack said he will step down from his role on November 4 but will remain a partner at UMPG over the next few years through a new joint venture being formed. McCormack, who first joined UMPG’s UK operations in 1999, said he will also continue to help manage some of the long-standing relationships he has built with the company’s writers and catalogs over the years.
“It has been a real privilege to lead this British company for the past nine years,” McCormack said, paying tribute to what he described as a “talented and outstanding” team of colleagues. “I’m extremely proud of our achievements and the many awards we’ve won together, but the real sense of fulfillment over the past 25 years at UMPG (as Associate MD, then MD) has come from working closely with artists, songwriters and producers on music. is being created,” he said.
