Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has announced the promotion of Pete Simmons to head of A&R, UK. He will report to the managing director, Mike McCormack.
Simmons is the major publisher’s third new high-level A&R appointment in recent weeks, following news that Jennifer Knoepfle will become evp, co-head of U.S. A&R and David Gray, co-head of U.S. A&R, will also take on duties as UMPG’s Global Creative Group. (The Global Creative Group has been described as a new initiative by the publisher to identify and expand global creative opportunities for its signees).
Simmons has been at the company since 2014 when he joined as an A&R scout. Since then, the young A&R has helped sign and develop top talents like Rex Orange County, Tom Misch, Thundercat, Four Tet, Bicep, Maisie Peters and more.
McCormack says of the promotion that Pete “thoroughly deserves this promotion. He’s always been an outstanding and popular member of the A&R team. Even though he’s one the youngest A&R’s at a major company, he’s shown maturity and confidence way beyond his years. His promotion to lead our UK A&R team into the future will give us a fresh energy and perspective and keep the signing and development of exceptional new songwriting talent at the core of what we do.”
Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO, UMPG says, “I am thrilled for Pete. He is one of the best A&Rs in the business, has impeccable taste in music and a fantastic way with artists. I look forward to watching him grow as a leader at UMPG, as we build on UMPG’s industry first, global strategy to nurture and support next generation songwriting talent across all territories. This promotion is well deserved, and further reinforces UMPG as home to some of the most talented and dynamic young executives in the business.”
Simmons adds, “Since joining UMPG in 2014, I’ve had the opportunity to sign and work with all of my favorite artists, songwriters and managers, and alongside the incredible team I’ve had the pleasure of working with, since the start. Thank you to Mike and Jody for your faith in me, and to all the wonderful artists I get to call my friends, who trust me with their songs. I’m very humbled to be given a shot at this, and very excited to see where we take it in the future.”
