Jody Gerson’s appointment to Gap Inc.’s Board of Directors in September 2025 marks a pivotal addition of creative leadership to the global fashion retailer’s governing team.
As Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Gerson stands as one of the most powerful figures in entertainment—a visionary leader celebrated for breaking barriers, championing diversity, and fusing art with commerce.
Chappell Music (now Warner Chappell ), honing her skills with industry icons like Bernie Taupin and Rod Stewart . She moved to EMI Music Publishing , where, as East Coast head, she rapidly distinguished herself by signing and nurturing major songwriting talents.
In 1991 , she was tasked with reviving EMI’s West Coast division, building a roster including Jermaine Dupri and Dallas Austin, who shepherded hits for artists like Janet Jackson and TLC .
Throughout her tenure at EMI , Gerson signed Alicia Keys at 14 , guiding her through a debut that sold over 10 million albums and won five Grammy Awards , and later signed Norah Jones , who also collected five Grammys for her album "Come Away with Me".
Breaking Barriers: Sony/ATV and Universal Music Publishing Group After two decades at EMI , Gerson became Co-President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing , where one of her first signings was then-unknown Lady Gaga…
