Universal Music Publishing Group has upped David Gray to U.K. managing director, a position he’ll inherit from Mike McCormack, who’s stepping down after eight years in the role.

Most recently UMPG’s EVP and co-head of U.S. A&R, Gray will assume his new position on 11/4 and relocate from New York to London, where he will continue to report to UMPG chairman and CEO Jody Gerson.

During his UMPG run, Gray has signed Sabrina Carpenter, Stephen Sanchez, Julia Michaels, Shawn Mendes, Nick and Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato. He previously held A&R positions at Zomba, Sony Music International and SYCO Music and was signed to UMPG in his own right as the songwriter and frontman of the '90s band Idle Wilds.

“David is one of the best creative A&R executives I have ever known and he is integral to our global approach and success," Gerson said. "His talent for identifying and building careers for songwriters, artists and producers is second to none.”

Gray commented, “I want to thank Jody for her constant belief in me and for shaping a company built upon A&R, creativity and a belief in songwriters and artists that is at the heart of our ethos. I am so excited to work with the incredible U.K. team and build upon the success achieved by Mike McCormack.”

McCormack joined UMPG’s U.K. business in 1999 as deputy managing director. After a short break, he will resume his partnership with the UMPG global creative team via a joint venture.