The news was announced today (October 23) by UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, to whom Knoepfle reports. Knoepfle will continue to be based in the company’s Santa Monica headquarters and serve as an EVP of the company.
UMPG says that in her elevated position, Knoepfle will expand the company’s US A&R team and lead its executives in “identifying, signing and nurturing new and developing songwriters, artists and producers, as well as creating and providing opportunities for legacy talent to enhance their artistry and careers”.
Knoepfle will also focus on growing UMPG’s “catalog of contemporary hits and iconic songs”.
Among Knoepfle’s initial moves in hiring and elevating A&R executives include the promotion of UMPG’s Daniella Rasho to Director of Global A&R and Deeba Abrishamchi to Director of US A&R.
Additionally, she has brought HollieBoston to the company as Director of US A&R.
Described by UMPG as “one of the industry’s most successful publishing executives”, Knoepfle joined the company as Executive Vice President and Co-Head of US A&R in 2022.
Knoepfle has signed songwriters, artists, and producers during her tenure, including Jack Antonoff, Lord Huron, Maggie Rogers, and Wallows (all of whom followed Knoepfle to UMPG from her previous position at Sony Music Publishing), plus Mark Ambor, Lucy Dacus, The Dare, Alex G, Danny L Harle, David Kushner, Lorde, Dylan Neustadter, Steve Rusch, Patrick Wimberly, and Dan Wilson.
She also works closely with UMPG songwriter and artist Gracie Abrams.
Knoepfle joined UMPG after 13 years at Sony Music Publishing, most recently as Senior Vice President of Creative.
While at Sony, she signed and/or developed writers such as Antonoff, Huron and Rogers, as well Bloodpop, Aaron Dessner, Joel Little, Dan Nigro and Ariel Rechtshaid.
Artists she signed while at that company include Leon Bridges, Noah Kahan, King Princess, Tate McRae, Wallows, WILLOW, and Remi Wolf.
Prior to her years at Sony, Knoepfle served as Senior Director of membership at ASCAP from 2005-2009, bringing the Killers and Greg Kurstin to the performing rights organization.
“I am overjoyed to promote Jenn to this much-deserved position as Head of US A&R.”
Jody Gerson
Jody Gerson said: “I am overjoyed to promote Jenn to this much-deserved position as Head of US A&R.
“She embodies everything a creative music executive should be; she possesses the ear to identify the best artists and writers—often early in their careers—and knows how to support, nurture and amplify their talents.
“Additionally, she is a thoughtful leader and mentor to our A&R team. I couldn’t be more excited to continue working with Jenn for years to come!”
“I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new chapter, growing our incredible A&R team and working with them to pursue my greatest passion: discovering and nurturing talent, which remains the lifeblood of our industry.”
Jennifer Knoepfle
Knoepfle added: “Every day, I am humbled to work alongside some of the most revered musical talent in the world.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my role at UMPG, where I have the privilege of working with one of the very best executives in the business, Jody Gerson.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new chapter, growing our incredible A&R team and working with them to pursue my greatest passion: discovering and nurturing talent, which remains the lifeblood of our industry.”Music Business Worldwide
