Andrew Jenkins to Leave Universal Music Publishing Group After Nearly 20 Years

Andrew Jenkins to depart Universal Music Publishing Group after nearly two decades

June 1, 2026 By Tim Ingham

Andrew Jenkins , President of Australia and the Asia Pacific Region at Universal Music Publishing Group ( UMPG ), is leaving the company.

Jenkins announced his exit on Monday (June 1); he will officially leave the company on July 1 .

His departure ends a tenure of nearly two decades at UMPG , where he oversaw the company’s publishing operations and creative teams across the region.

Jenkins began his career at PolyGram in the UK in 1981 , later serving as General Manager and Senior Director of Polydor Records .

He joined BMG Music Publishing International as Vice President in 1993 and was promoted to President in 2005 .

Following UMPG ‘s acquisition of BMG Music Publishing in 2006 , he continued in senior leadership roles working with songwriters, artists, managers and industry partners across a range of genres and markets.

Jenkins worked with, helped to sign, or oversaw relationships with artists and songwriters including the Bee Gees , The Cure , Alanis Morissette , Tom Waits , Robert Plant and Van Morrison .

He has also served 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 .

Jenkins said in a statement: “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.

“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,” he added. “So, until the next time, thank you all.”

During his time at UMPG , Jenkins was involved in bringing the SACEM and APRA multi-territory digital licensing arrangements to the company.

Under Jenkins , UMPG expanded across the region, including in China, where the company named Joe Fang as its first ever Managing Director, China in 2020, reporting to Jenkins.

“ 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,” said Jody Gerson , UMPG Chairman and CEO, in a statement.

“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.”

Gerson , who in November vowed to “protect human songwriters” in the age of AI , has led UMPG since 2015 . Music Business Worldwide

_Originally reported by [Music Business Worldwide](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/andrew-jenkins-to-depart-universal-music-publishing-group-after-nearly-two-decades/)._