Jody Gerson

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.

Early Life and Rise in Music Publishing

Born in Pennsylvania, Gerson began her publishing career at 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. In 2015, she broke new ground as the first female CEO of a major music publisher—and chairwoman of a global music company—by joining UMPG

Under her leadership, UMPG’s revenue soared 76% and the company became a global powerhouse representing modern music’s most influential voices—including Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, SZA, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and many more. She spearheaded landmark catalog acquisitions from Bob Dylan, Sting, and Neil Diamond, reinforcing UMPG’s role as a creative and cultural force.

Her strategic vision is widely acknowledged for steering UMPG through digital disruption, optimizing global rights management, and fortifying the business for the streaming era.

Championing Diversity, Culture, and Social Impact

Gerson is not just a music executive—she is a leader at the frontier of equality and inclusion. She co-founded “She Is The Music,” a global nonprofit for women in music, and serves on boards for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, National Music Publishers Association, and USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.

Her many honors include Billboard’s Executive of the Year, Variety’s Power of Women, Rolling Stone’s Future 25, and the March of Dimes Inspiring Woman of the Year.

She has also been a film producer, serving behind films like “Drumline,” “ATL,” and executive-producing VH1’s “Drumline 2“.

GAP Inc. Board Appointment and Crossover Success

Gerson’s appointment to Gap Inc.’s board reflects retail’s new priorities: innovation, culture, and purpose-led leadership. CEO Richard Dickson emphasized her rare expertise in “fashiontainment”—the convergence of fashion, music, and celebrity: “Her insights… are unmatched. At Gap Inc., we’ve always believed that style is a form of storytelling, and Jody’s ability to amplify voices and shape cultural moments will be invaluable as we continue redefining what it means to be an iconic, purpose-led house of brands”.

Her arrival comes after the company’s “Better in Denim” campaign with Katseye drove 400 million views and 8 billion impressions, marking a new high for music-driven marketing efforts.

Gerson voiced her excitement to “bring [her] perspective and experience in the creative industries to the table. Equally, I’m energized to support Richard Dickson’s vision and draw inspiration from Gap’s remarkable renaissance as a brand that’s become synonymous with the culture of music”.

Milestones and Achievements

Gerson’s debut at Gap Inc. signals the merging of creative worlds—music and fashion—at the board level. With her proven skills, cultural acumen, and relentless advocacy for inclusivity, Gap Inc. is poised for a future where storytelling, innovation, and purpose guide both its brands and its C-suite.