Universal Music Publishing Names Walter Jones VP/Creative

Walter Jones

UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP has appointed WALTER JONES VP/Creative, it was announced by EVP/Head Of West Coast A&R DAVID GRAY, to whom he'll report. JONES will relocate to LOS ANGELES, and joins UMPG’s global A&R team from SONY/ATV, where he served as VP Urban A&R.

JONES has placed a number songs on major releases and signed some of music’s top songwriters and producers, including ALESSIA CARA, G-EAZY, A$AP ROCKY, KID INK, OT GENESIS, MADEINTYO, A$AP FERG, PUSHA T and DJ MARLEY WATERS, co-producer of TINASHE's "2 On." JONES has also worked closely with DJ CAMPER (MARY J. BLIGE, JAY Z, JOHN LEGEND), and AUGUST RIGO (JUSTIN BIEBER, ONE DIRECTION, CHRIS BROWN). In addition, he executive-produced artist H.E.R.’s debut EP, "Volume 1" (MBK/RCA). 

JONES is well-known for putting together writing sessions that generate hit singles such as USHER’s “Climax” (ELIJAH BLAKE) and “Let Me See” (ERIC BELLINGER/LUNDON KNIGHTEN), and CHRIS BROWN's "Back to Sleep” (AUGUST RIGO). He also paired up hitmaking team TIYON "TC" MACK and TAMAR BRAXTON, as well as orchestrated PUSHA T and DJ YOGIs collaboration “Burial,” which has generated over $1 million in sync revenue.

UMPG Chairman/CEO JODY GERSON commented: “I’m a big WALTER JONES fan.  I love his passion for music and his deep relationships with the artist community. I am supportive of his growth as an executive and can’t wait to see what he achieves with us at UMPG. 

Added UMPG's GRAY: “As an experienced A&R executive who’s well-known for his great ears and ability to spot and nurture writers, WALTER is going to be a fantastic addition to our global team. I’m really pleased he’s joined the company.”

Said JONES: “I am excited to join UMPG’s incredible team and inspired by their commitment to the roster and fostering of new talent. I look forward to this exciting new chapter, and thank JODY GERSON, EVAN LAMBERG and DAVID GRAY for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth, innovation, and success.” 

Prior to SONY/ATV, JONES also was an international DJ and held the position of Director of Membership (Rhythm & Soul) at ASCAP.

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