Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, will be honored at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy gala.
The Recording Academy and Davis announced on Wednesday that the veteran executive will be celebrated with the 2025 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons honor at The Beverly Hilton on Feb. 1, a day before the 2025 Grammy Awards. Davis’ white-hot event is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Gerson joined UMPG in 2015. She has signed and works with a number of major artists, including Adele, Bee Gees, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Drake, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, the Prince estate, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, SZA and The Weeknd. She also led UMPG’s acquisitions of several historic catalogs, including Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond and Sting.
“Jody is an inspirational leader who champions integrity and inclusivity in everything she does and is a revolutionary executive,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “She has opened doors for and propelled the careers of many of the world’s greatest songwriters, while simultaneously serving as one of the biggest advocates for women in music. We are thrilled to host an extraordinary evening that not only celebrates her remarkable impact but also marks the gala’s incredible 50-year milestone.”
Gerson is also a member of Universal Music Group’s Executive Management Board and made history as the first female chairman of a global music company and the first woman to be named CEO of a major music publisher. She leads 48 offices in 40 countries and more than 850 employees.
“Jody Gerson is one of the music industry’s most illustrious leaders and I am thrilled that she will be this year’s Salute to Industry Icons honoree,” Davis added. “Jody’s longtime trailblazing commitment to supporting songwriters across the music spectrum as well as her tireless dedication to advocacy, diversity and equality in the music business are exemplary. Artists and the industry at large are fortunate to have a leader with such tremendous insight and passion at the helm.”
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