Universal Music Publishing Group Australia and Asia Pacific Region President, Andrew Jenkins, has announced he is leaving the company after nearly two decades.
Announced on Monday (June 1st), Jenkins will finish with the company on July 1st.
After beginning his career at the UK’s PolyGram in 1981, and later working as General Manager and Senior Director of Polydor Records, Jenkins joined BMG Music Publishing International in 1993 as Vice President and was promoted to President in 2005.
Following UMPG’s acquisition of BMG Music Publishing in 2006, he worked in a number of senior leadership roles and was heavily involved in bringing the SACEM and APRA multi territory digital licensing arrangements to UMPG.
Jenkins worked with, signed or oversaw relationships with some of the world’s biggest names in music including the Bee Gees, The Cure, Alanis Morissette, Robert Plant, Van Morrison and Tom Waits. He has also held a number of industry leadership roles serving as Chair of the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), as a founder Board member of the International Music Publishers Association (IMPA), and as a board member of organizations including APRA, AMCOS, and AMPAL in Australia.
“There are too many to mention individually but I’d like to acknowledge those who have joined me on the journey so far: fellow Board members at IMPA, ICMP, APRA and AMCOS; work colleagues past and present; and, most importantly, the brilliant artists and songwriters and business partners who have made every day a special day I am in awe of your genius and grateful for your friendship,” Jenkins said in a statement.
“Finally, a very special, very personal thank you to those who came with me all the way from Polydor through BMG to Universal…..it’s been amazing. So, until the next time, thank you all.”
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UMPG Chairman and CEO, Jody Gerson, added: “Andrew has been an exceptional leader, colleague and friend, and someone I have had the pleasure of working closely with for more than a decade.
“His dedication to songwriters and artists, and his leadership across Australia and the Pacific Region, have left a lasting impact on both our company and the creative community throughout the region.
“I am personally grateful for his partnership and everything he has contributed to UMPG, and everyone at the company joins me in wishing him continued success in his next chapter.”
Variety Australia has contacted UMPG for comment.