Universal Music Publishing Names Sterling Simms Dir./Creative

Sterling Simms

UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP has appointed GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and former RCA and DEF JAM recording artist STERLING SIMMS Dir./Creative, reporting to UMPG Pres./Urban Music/Co-Head Of Creative ETHIOPIA HABTEMARIAM and UMPG EVP/Head Of West Coast A&R DAVID GRAY.

The L.A.-based SIMMS joins UMPG from SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING, where he served in a creative role for the last two-and-a-half years. In his new position, SIMMS will work closely with the company’s worldwide A&R team to identify, sign and develop talent and bolster global creative opportunities for UMPG songwriters.

Commenting on the appointment, HABTEMARIAM said: “With a fantastic ear, enthusiasm and A&R skills, STERLING brings good energy to the team, and I’m very happy he’s come to UMPG to help us build upon our already great success."

Added GRAY: “As a well-rounded and established writer, artist and an A&R exec, STERLING has everything it takes to support our writers and expand their reach. He speaks their language and understands the business from all sides. We are thrilled to welcome him to UMPG.”

Said SIMMS: “I was privileged to be a songwriter signed to UMPG in 2010, and I'm proud that now I get to come back home as an executive to help curate and facilitate opportunities for this amazing roster – including a lot of people I have worked with myself as a writer. I’m humbled that JODY, DAVID and ETHIOPIA have brought me in, and super excited to join the company.”

As a publishing executive, SIMMS has worked with such artists and as DJ MUSTARD, NELLY, MIKE FREE, DJ AFROJACK and MIKE TAYLOR, JEREMIH and TRINIDAD JAMES, among others. In 2006, he received a GRAMMY nomination for co-writing MARSHA AMBROSIUS' R&B hit, “Far Away.” SIMMS was also a featured artist on “Dig A Hole” recorded by JAY Z on his chart-topping, double platinum album, "Kingdom Come."

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