SIMMS FILLS CREATIVE
ROLE AT UMPG

Hit songwriter and former RCA and Def Jam artist Sterling Simms is joining UMPG as Director of Creative. He’ll be based in L.A. and will report to Ethiopia Habtemariam, the pubco’s President of Urban Music/Co-Head of Creative, and EVP/Head of West Coast A&R David Gray.

In his new position, Simms will work closely with the company’s worldwide A&R team to identify, sign and develop talent and seek opportunities for UMPG songwriters.

In her statement, Habtemariam praised Simms’ “fantastic ear, enthusiasm and A&R skills,” while Gray described the new hire as “a well-rounded and established writer, artist and an A&R exec [who] has everything it takes to support our writers and expand their reach.”

“I was privileged to be a songwriter signed to UMPG in 2010,” said Sims, “and I'm proud that now I get to come back home as an executive to help curate and facilitate opportunities for this amazing roster—including a lot of people I have worked with myself as a writer. I’m humbled that Jody, David and Ethiopia have brought me in, and super-excited to join the company.”.

Simms spent the last 2-1/2 years in a creative role at SONGS.