Zach Horowitz has been promoted to Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) Worldwide, reporting to UMG boss Lucian Grainge.
Horowitz formerly served as UMG’s President and Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, he will lead UMPG globally, overseeing more than 40 companies around the world, as well as its Rondor Music and Universal Publishing Production Music subsidiaries.
In his previous role, Horowitz played a leading role in the acquisition, integration and management of Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Univision’s Fonovisa and Disa labels (which made UMG the market leader in Latin music) and PolyGram Holding, Inc —which brought UMG the Def Jam, Island, A&M, Motown and Deutsche Grammophon record labels.
He also served as one of the four-person Integration Team responsible for planning the acquisition and merger of PolyGram into UMG. In publishing, he spearheaded the acquisitions and integrations of Rondor Music, then the industry’s leading independent music publishing company, PolyGram’s music publishing interests, and BMG Music Publishing.
“Zach’s appointment to lead UMPG is testament to how important publishing is to my plans for UMG’s future,” stated Mr. Grainge. “Having started my own career in music publishing, I know firsthand what it takes to expand the playing field for our songwriters and composers on a global basis. And I couldn’t be more delighted that Zach has agreed to take on this vital role at our company. For nearly two decades, he has championed the interests of our publishing company and been the key architect of its growth. Now I want him to concentrate full time on maximizing UMPG’s true potential in this challenging marketplace.”
“I take great pride in having helped UMPG become the industry leader,” commented Mr. Horowitz. “Lucian’s mandate is to build on our strong foundation, committing all necessary resources to innovate, acquire, expand and lead. Having worked with Lucian for over a decade now, I know how dedicated he is to this objective. The challenges and opportunities facing songwriters and publishing companies have never been more significant. From initiating new ways to super-serve our writers so the return on their creativity is maximized, to proactively empowering new partners and business models so the full potential of the digital revolution is realized, this is a transformational moment in the history of music publishing. I’m thrilled to be chosen to lead UMPG at this exciting time.”
Horowitz will continue to supervise UMG’s government relations and public policy activities. He will also continue to serve on UMG’s Management Board, as well as on the board of Vevo, the premium music video and entertainment service, a joint venture with Sony Music and the Abu Dhabi Media Group.
Artists signed to Universal Music Publishing Group include Adele, who signed to UMPG in 2006 and has sold over 21 million albums globally. Other UK UMPG success stories include Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, Take That, Mumford & Sons and Example.
In the US, the firm’s hit songwriters include Nicki Minaj (through Cash Money Publishing), Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Eminem, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, 30 Seconds To Mars, R. Kelly, Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Britney Spears, U2, Bon Jovi, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, Justin Bieber, J. Cole and Wisin & Yandel.
Other songwriters signed or renewing with UMPG over the last year include Metallica–ex North America, Joy Division, Axl Rose, Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith), Tricky Stewart (Justin Bieber, Katy Perry), Diane Warren (The Wanted, Aerosmith, Celine Dion)–ex-North America, Ari Levine and Philip Lawrence of the Smeezingtons (Bruno Mars), Irving Berlin (There’s No Business Like Show Business, White Christmas)–ex-North America, Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Black Keys)–ex-North America, and Luke Laird (Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Chris Young), as well as new deals with 19 Entertainment (American Idol) and Talpa (The Voice).Music Business Worldwide
