He succeeds Jean-Philippe Allard, who leaves the business after leading UMPG France since 2007.
David (pictured) joined Universal in 2013 and previously served as Head of A&R and Synch at UMPG France.
In his new role, David jointly reports to Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG and Olivier Nusse, CEO of Universal Music France.
He will continue to be based in Paris.
Gerson said, “Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on empowering creative executives and putting songwriters at the center of everything we do. With a background in A&R and successful track record of signing and developing some of France’s best songwriters, appointing Bertil to this leadership role is a perfect fit for our strategy and vision.”
“With a background in A&R and successful track record of signing and developing some of France’s best songwriters, appointing Bertil to this leadership role is a perfect fit for our strategy and vision.”
Jody Gerson, UMPG
Gerson continued, “On behalf of all us at Universal Music Publishing, I want to thank Jean-Philippe for his years of service and dedication to our songwriters, and for building UMPG France to its highest levels of success. We wish him only the best.”
Nusse added, “Bertil has earned an excellent reputation as a successful A&R executive on both the publishing and recorded music sides of the business. His track record at Universal has been outstanding, and his progressive vision for music makes him the ideal executive to lead our publishing efforts in France.
“I look forward to working closely with Jody and Bertil as we drive projects together, offering our artists the best resources in France and globally.”
David said: “Having worked in A&R for most of my career, and more recently as head of both the A&R and Synch departments at UMP France, I am honored that Jody and Olivier offered me the opportunity to work with them in leading Universal Music Publishing France.
“I’m delighted to be part of this creative leadership, working alongside the exceptional French team. I would like to thank both Jody and Olivier for their confidence in me.”
In a career spanning more than two decades, David has signed artists including Saian Supa Crew, Henri Salvador, Camille, Rose, Ours, Feu! Chatterton, Paradis, Juliette Armanet, and Gauvain Sers, among others.
Prior to joining UMPG, David served as Managing Director of Source, a label of Virgin/EMI in Paris, as well as in roles at EMI Music Publishing and BMG, where he formed a record label.Music Business Worldwide
