Jody Gerson, chief executive of Universal Music Publishing Group, has spoken to Variety about her career, her approach to leadership and mentorship, and the transformation of music publishing into a central part of the industry. Gerson is a notable figure in the sector as the highest-ranking woman in the music business, the first female chairman of a global music company, and the first woman to lead a major music publisher, overseeing artists and estates including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Adele and Bob Dylan.

Since taking charge of UMPG in 2015, having previously held senior roles at Warner Chappell, EMI and Sony Music Publishing, Gerson has tripled the company's revenue. UMPG now operates 48 offices across 41 countries with more than 850 staff, administering over five million copyrights, and has attracted high-profile catalogue sales from artists such as Bob Dylan, reportedly worth $300–400 million, as well as Neil Diamond and Sting. Gerson also oversees Polygram Entertainment, UMUG's film and TV arm, co-founded the nonprofit She Is the Music, and received the Industry Icon Award at the 2025 Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala.