Ancestry Welcomes Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing, to its Board of Directors
Ancestry® Appoints Jody Gerson to Board of Directors
In an exciting new move, Ancestry®, the leading global platform for family history, announced the appointment of Jody Gerson, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), to its Board of Directors. This significant decision underscores Ancestry's commitment to explore the deep connections between culture, storytelling, and personal identity.
Mark Thomspon, Chair of the Ancestry Board, expressed his enthusiasm about Gerson's appointment, stating that "Jody Gerson is a visionary leader whose transformative impact on the music industry is matched only by her unwavering commitment to creativity, inclusion, and innovation." He believes that her expertise in storytelling and culture will be an invaluable asset to the company as it continues to empower individuals to discover and share their unique family stories.
Jody Gerson, who has also co-founded the nonprofit She Is The Music, expressed her honor in joining the Ancestry board at this crucial time. She remarked, "As someone who has dedicated my career to helping artists tell their stories through song, I deeply value Ancestry's commitment to empowering individuals to discover and share their own." Her aim is to contribute to Ancestry's mission of connecting families and bridging generations through personal history, creating profound cultural impacts along the way.
Since her appointment as the first female Chairman of UMPG in 2015, Gerson has led the company to new heights, signing influential artists such as Adele, Elton John, and Taylor Swift, while also overseeing landmark catalog acquisitions for legendary musicians like Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond. Her insights and strategies have redefined music publishing and continue to set high standards in the industry.
David Kestnbaum, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, welcomed Gerson to the Ancestry board with anticipation of her contributions, declaring, "We are excited to welcome Jody to the Board of Ancestry. As an industry trailblazer and a leading executive supporting world-class creators and premium content, we look forward to her highly valuable perspectives as the company continues to help more people connect with their family histories."
Beyond her impact in music, Gerson's involvement in various philanthropic efforts and board memberships, including her work with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further illustrates her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has consistently nurtured a community of support for artists and advocates for social change through storytelling and creative expression.
Ancestry itself has positioned itself as a leader in family history solutions, with over 65 billion records and a growing DNA network. The company continues to evolve, offering individuals the tools to discover, preserve, and share the rich narratives of their heritage. With Gerson's impressive background and vision, Ancestry is set to further enhance its mission while deepening connections within families and across generations.
As Ancestry welcomes Gerson, the combination of her innovative thinking, experience, and commitment to storytelling promises to elevate the company's mission and inspire people to connect with their personal histories like never before.