Grammy-nominated songwriter and former RCA and Def Jam recording artist Sterling Simms has been appointed Director of Creative at Universal Music Publishing Group.
Simms reports to Ethiopia Habtemariam, UMPG President of Urban Music/Co-Head of Creative, and David Gray, UMPG EVP/Head of West Coast A&R.
Based in Los Angeles, Simms joins Universal Music Publishing Group from Songs Music Publishing, where he served in a creative role for the last two and a half years.
He was signed as a songwriter to UMPG in 2010.
As a publishing executive, Simms has worked with artists incudling DJ Mustard, Nelly, Mike Free, DJ AfroJack and Mike Taylor, Jeremih, and Trinidad James, among others.
In 2006, he received a Grammy nomination for co-writing Marsha Ambrosius’ Far Away, and was a featured artist on Dig A Hole by Jay Z, taken from the latter’s No.1 double platinum album, Kingdom Come.
In his new position at UMPG, Simms will work closely with the company’s worldwide A&R team to identify, sign and develop talent and bolster global creative opportunities for UMPG songwriters.
“With a fantastic ear, enthusiasm and A&R skills, Sterling brings good energy to the team, and I’m very happy he’s come to UMPG to help us build upon our already great success.”
ethiopia habtemariam, umpg
“With a fantastic ear, enthusiasm and A&R skills, Sterling brings good energy to the team, and I’m very happy he’s come to UMPG to help us build upon our already great success,” said Habtemariam.
Gray said: “As a well-rounded and established writer, artist and an A&R exec, Sterling has everything it takes to support our writers and expand their reach.
“He speaks their language and understands the business from all sides. We are thrilled to welcome him to UMPG.”
Simms added: “I’m proud that now I get to come back home to UMPG as an executive to help curate and facilitate opportunities for this amazing roster – including a lot of people I have worked with myself as a writer.
“I’m humbled that Jody, David and Ethiopia have brought me in, and super excited to join the company.”
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