Jody Gerson: A Trailblazing Music Executive and Advocate for Mental Health
As one of the most celebrated music executives of the past five decades, it is no surprise that Jody Gerson was honored with the Recording Academy's Industry Icon Award at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Event. However, what is sadly surprising is that as CEO of Universal Music Publishing, she remains one of the few female leaders in major music companies – a number that has dwindled in recent years.
Gerson took the helm of Universal Music Publishing in 2015, having risen through the ranks at Chappell Music, EMI, and Sony Music Publishing. Under her leadership, the company has flourished, expanding to 48 offices in 40 countries with over 850 employees. Its roster boasts a constellation of stars, including Adele, Bee Gees, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, and Taylor Swift, among many others. Notably, the company has also acquired the catalogs of iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, and Sting.
In her acceptance speech, Gerson reflected on her journey from a young girl watching legendary performers at her father's nightclub to becoming an esteemed music industry executive. She spoke about her deep understanding of and love for artists, emphasizing her lifelong commitment to protecting their value and work.
However, Gerson's impact extends beyond the confines of the music business. She is deeply concerned about the mental health crisis in Los Angeles and the nation, having witnessed its toll on many in the industry. Inspired by artists who have broken the stigma around mental health care, Gerson has joined the board of Project Healthy Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to making accessing mental health services as convenient as booking a flight.
Gerson's profound impact on the music industry and her unwavering commitment to social issues make her a true icon. As she stated in her speech, "Music can brighten even our darkest days, and we surely need artists to bring light into the world. Now more than ever."