Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), will receive the 2025 Grammy Salute to an Industry Icon Award during the 50th anniversary of the pre-Grammy celebration.
The event was hosted by legendary music industry executives Clive davisto be held on February 1, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Record college announced on Wednesday (December 18). The invitation-only event will honor Gerson’s leadership and achievements in the music publishing community.
Jody Gerson Making history as the first female chairman of a global music company and the first female CEO of a major music publisher. Since joining UMPG in 2015, Gerson currently leads the company with more than 850 employees in 48 offices in 40 countries.
“Jodi is an inspiring leader who champions integrity and inclusion in everything she does and is a revolutionary executive,” said Harvey Mason Jr.CEO of the Recording Academy.
“She opened doors and propelled the careers of many of the world’s greatest songwriters, while also being one of the biggest advocates for women in music. We are delighted to be hosting an extraordinary evening that not only celebrates her extraordinary impact force, and also marks the party’s incredible 50th anniversary milestone.
Gerson’s list of signed artists includes Adele, Bee Gees, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Drake, Billie Eilish, HER, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Prince Manor, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, SZA, The Weeknd,etc.
She also led the acquisition of iconic catalogs from artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Diamondand stingwait.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Gerson is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry. She co-founded she is musicis a global non-profit supporting women in music and serves on several boards including USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and this National Music Publishers Association.
“Jody is an inspiring leader who champions integrity and inclusion in everything she does and is a revolutionary executive.”
Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy
In January 2020, Gerson became the first woman and first music publishing executive to be appointed advertising billboard “Best CEO of the Year”. She consistently ranks on the publication’s Power 100 list and has received many other honors, such as advertising billboard Powerful Players Choice Award, typeHot Producer Executive of the Year, advertising billboardNamed Women in Music magazine’s 2015 Executive of the Year, rolling stonesThe “Future 25”,type“Women Power of Los Angeles”, “2016 March of Dimes Inspiring Women of the Year”, etc.
Gerson’s influence extends beyond music publishing. She co-supervised PolyGram entertainment, universal music groupIts film and television production department. In 2024 alone, she served as an executive producer on documentaries including Music Box: Yacht Rock, The Beach Boys and STAX: American Soulville.
Praising Gerson’s influence, Clive Davis said: “Jodi Gerson is one of the music industry’s most distinguished leaders, and I’m delighted that she will be the recipient of this year’s tribute to an industry icon.
“Jodi’s long-standing, groundbreaking commitment to supporting songwriters across the music spectrum, and her tireless dedication to music industry advocacy, diversity, and equality are exemplary. Artists and the industry as a whole are lucky to have someone with such tremendous insight Strong and passionate leaders at the helm.
Davis is a veteran record producer, A&R executive, record executive and attorney who has won five Grammy Awards during his career. His career began columbia recordss In 1967 he was appointed president and signed Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Joel, Janis Joplin, Santana, and Bruce Springsteen.
“Jody Gerson is one of the music industry’s most distinguished leaders, and I’m thrilled that she will be the honoree in this year’s tribute to an industry icon.”
Clive Davis
Davis co-founded Arista Records 1974 and signed whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Patti Smith.
In 2000, Davis founded J records, Signing and developing artists such as Alicia button and Maroon 5. His influence extends beyond record production. In 2002, he founded NYU Clive Davis School of Recording Music.
The Grammy Preliminary Party is sponsored by: Hilton, MasterCard, and International Business Machines Corporation. The event brings together the music industry’s “most innovative and influential creators and professionals.”
global music business
