Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading, global music publisher, today announced that Pete Simmons has been promoted to Head of A&R, UK, effective immediately. Based in London, he will continue reporting to Mike McCormack, Managing Director of UMPG UK.

Having joined UMPG as an A&R scout in 2014, Simmons has quickly become one of the UK’s most respected young industry talents, holding the ranks of A&R Manager, and A&R Director in recent years. Simmons now serves as A&R for some of UMPG’s brightest up-and-coming and established talent including Bicep, Four Tet, Maise Peters, Griff, girl in red, Rex Orange County, Tom Misch and Thundercat.

Simmons’ passion for music has been the driver throughout his career, from working with Zane Lowe and Charlie Sloth at Radio 1 while completing his degree. In 2016, he was included on Music Week’s 30 under 30 list, and he has twice been nominated for Dance & Electronic A&R at Music Business Worldwide’s annual A&R Awards (2019 & 2021).

On making the announcement, McCormack said: “Pete thoroughly deserves this promotion. He’s always been an outstanding and popular member of the A&R team. Even though he’s one the youngest A&R’s at a major company, he’s shown maturity and confidence way beyond his years. His promotion to lead our UK A&R team into the future will give us a fresh energy and perspective and keep the signing and development of exceptional new songwriting talent at the core of what we do.”

Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO, UMPG said, “I am thrilled for Pete. He is one of the best A&Rs in the business, has impeccable taste in music and a fantastic way with artists. I look forward to watching him grow as a leader at UMPG, as we build on UMPG’s industry first, global strategy to nurture and support next generation songwriting talent across all territories. This promotion is well deserved, and further reinforces UMPG as home to some of the most talented and dynamic young executives in the business.”

Simmons said, “Since joining UMPG in 2014, I’ve had the opportunity to sign and work with all of my favourite artists, songwriters and managers, and alongside the incredible team I’ve had the pleasure of working with, since the start. Thank you to Mike and Jody for your faith in me, and to all the wonderful artists I get to call my friends, who trust me with their songs. I’m very humbled to be given a shot at this, and very excited to see where we take it in the future.”