Chairman & CEO of the massive Universal Music Publishing Group, David Renzer, can afford to smile. His group is perhaps the most successful in one of the few healthy sectors remaining in music: publishing. He is uniquely placed to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing music publishers today. Hugely successful worldwide with multi-awards going to his artists and indeed the group itself, Renzer is nonetheless acutely aware of the challenges facing music as a business. As there are increasing calls for the industry to pull together to solve the numerous licensing issues that are blocking expansion, will he be able to lead? What are the options and opportunities for publishers moving forward? His keynote address to the music publishing summit at Midem provides the perfect opportunity.
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David Renzer, Universal Music Publishing Group
At the helm of the music industry’s leading global music publishing operation, David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group, is responsible for overseeing the activities of over 50 offices in 43 territories worldwide.
Since Renzer joined the company (then called MCA Music Publishing) in 1996, UMPG has grown exponentially through both direct signings and catalogue acquisitions, which include most notably the BMG Music Publishing, Zomba, Polygram, and Rondor catalogues. UMPG is also a global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian and Classical Music. In 2008, UMPG became the first major publisher to offer their clients online access to their royalty accounts with RoyaltyWindow.com.
Recent accolades under Renzer’s leadership include: No. 1 Global Market Leader by Informa; Publisher of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Song of the Year at the BMI Urban Music Awards; Publisher of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Pop Awards; Publisher of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the SESAC awards; Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards; Publisher of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Christian Music Awards; Music Week’s Albums Publisher of the Year; and a publishing interest in 27 GRAMMY awards in 2009.
Renzer sits on the Boards of ASCAP, NMPA, the International Music Publishers Association, and the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. He also serves as Chairman of the Music and Entertainment Division of the City of Hope, and founded the Songs of Hope events which have raised over $1,000,000 for the City of Hope.