Universal Music Publishing Group has promoted Maree Hamblion to Executive Vice President, A&R and Creative, Australia and New Zealand.
The promotion was announced today (October 19) by David Gray, UMPG’s Managing Director, UK, and Head of Global A&R, to whom Hamblion reports.
Hamblion, who is based in Sydney, will lead UMPG’s creative and talent development strategy in both markets.
UMPG said Hamblion will continue to build the region as a “global creative hub” for the company.
The company cited her recent signing of Tones and I, the multiple ARIA Award-winning Australian singer, songwriter, and producer, describing the deal as highly competitive.
Warner Chappell Music signed Tones and I in 2019, in an agreement covering her new and existing works outside Australia and New Zealand.
UMPG‘s announcement did not specify the territories covered by its deal with the artist.
“Maree and her team are a big part of the incredible music coming out of the region, and I’m excited about what they’re building and what comes next.”
David Gray, Universal Music Publishing Group
“Australia and New Zealand have always produced extraordinary music and some of the world’s most distinctive songwriters and artists,” said Gray.
“Having someone as talented as Maree leading our creative efforts on the ground, with her deep understanding of the community and how to develop talent, is incredibly important to UMPG. Maree and her team are a big part of the incredible music coming out of the region, and I’m excited about what they’re building and what comes next.”
UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson added: “Since Maree joined UMPG, she has made a tremendous creative impact on our roster in Australia and New Zealand while building strong relationships with our A&R teams around the world.
“She understands that developing songwriters and artists locally also means creating opportunities for them globally, and Tones and I is a perfect example of that. I’m thrilled to see Maree take on this expanded role and continue to discover and champion exceptional talent from the region.”
“She understands that developing songwriters and artists locally also means creating opportunities for them globally, and Tones and I is a perfect example of that.”
Jody Gerson, Universal Music Publishing Group
As part of the expanded remit, Hamblion will oversee the introduction of a writing room and content space, adding to UMPG’s existing LVL 4 recording studio.
UMPG said the new space is designed to “foster greater collaboration, creativity, and connection among songwriters.”
“Thank you to David, Jody, and [UMPG COO] Marc Cimino for entrusting me with the opportunity to further develop UMPG Australia and New Zealand’s next generation of global songwriters,” said Hamblion. “Songwriters are at the heart of everything we do.
“I’m excited to continue building a creative hub that not only supports artistic development but also connects our writers with opportunities on a global stage.”
Maree Hamblion, Universal Music Publishing Group
“I’m excited to continue building a creative hub that not only supports artistic development but also connects our writers with opportunities on a global stage. I’m incredibly honored to step into my expanded role and look forward to championing our exceptional roster alongside our dedicated Sync and Administration teams.”
Hamblion joined UMPG Australia and New Zealand in 2024 as Senior Vice President, A&R, overseeing the company’s roster of songwriters and producers.
Her signings since then include Benny Morrell, Matthew Ifield, Esha Tewari, Rupert Bullard, Ownlife, and Lach Bostock.
She has also set up joint ventures with Peach Publishing, THIS IS NOISE, Apple Street Music, and Artist Labs.
Signings through those partnerships include Huon Lamb-Kelly via Peach Publishing, New Zealand writer/producer Harry Charles via THIS IS NOISE, and Ruby Rodgers via Apple Street Music.
The Artist Labs venture has signed Midnight Til Morning, Lane Pittman, and Lime Cordiale.
Before joining UMPG, Hamblion spent more than a decade at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, now Sony Music Publishing.
Following the 2012 acquisition of EMI Music Publishing by a Sony-led consortium, she worked as a Senior A&R Manager before being promoted to Joint Head of A&R in 2015.
In March 2021, Sony Music Publishing promoted her to Senior Vice President, International A&R, a role in which she led the company’s international A&R efforts.
Her signings at the company included Sarah Aarons, Alex Hope, Jarryd James, Gretta Ray, and Tina Arena, as well as New Zealand songwriters Stan Walker, Alex Wildwood, and Jawsh 685.
Hamblion began her music publishing career at EMI Music Publishing‘s Sydney office in 1995 and spent more than 17 years at the company.
There, she worked with songwriters, artists, and bands including Divinyls, Jimmy Barnes, Joel Little, Savage Garden, PNAU, and The Veronicas.
Gray was promoted to Managing Director, UK, and Head of Global A&R at UMPG in October 2024, succeeding Mike McCormack as UK MD.
He was previously UMPG’s Executive Vice President and Co-Head of US A&R, as well as Head of the company’s Global Creative Group, which he and Gerson formed in 2022.Music Business Worldwide
