Shirin Foroutan becomes SVP and GM for Europe at Universal Music Publishing Group

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the publishing division of Universal Music Group, has appointed Shirin Foroutan as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Universal Music Publishing Europe, effective immediately.

Based in London, she reports to Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer of UMPG.

Foroutan succeeds Simon Baker, who has served as GM, European Operations, since 2018 and will continue to serve the company in a senior management role.

In her new role, Foroutan will work closely with the company’s European directors and C-suite leadership in Santa Monica.

Prior to joining UMPG, Foroutan was Vice President, Creative at BMI, where she led the organization’s creative efforts across Europe, including acquisition and retention strategies, with a focus on increasing BMI’s market share across music genres.

Foroutan was also responsible for managing relationships with associated songwriters, composers, music publishers and key industry contacts.

During her tenure, Foroutan signed and/or renewed talent such as Rina Sawayama, Griff, Johnny Marr, Arlo Parks, Labrinth, the 1975, Ellie Goulding, Inflo, Beabadobee, Jessica Agombar, Tems, Kamille, P2J, Maisie Peters and MTHR.

Described by UMPG as “a champion of songwriters and artists,” Foroutan’s career has spanned music publishing, recorded music, artist and writer relationships, and an academic background in international law.

Prior to BMI, Foroutan was Chief Operating Officer at MPC Film, a division of Technicolor, where she was responsible for more than 2000 artists from London, Bangalore, Vancouver and Montreal.

She also served as Global Managing Director at the Mute Group of Companies, where she led recording, music publishing and artist management teams from London, New York and Berlin.

In addition, Foroutan has held legal roles at Ceremonies of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics, Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games and Live Nation Global Touring.

“We have no doubt that she will bring tremendous value and energy to our efforts to ensure our songwriters are treated with the best care in the world.”

Marc Cimino, UMPG

In making the announcement, Cimino said, “We are excited to have Shirin join the UMPG family as she assumes this role that is critical to the success of our company.

“From the moment we met Shirin, we knew she would fit right into our unique culture. We have no doubt that she will bring tremendous value and energy to our efforts to ensure our songwriters are treated with the best care in the world.”

“I’m incredibly proud to join Universal Music Publishing, a team known throughout the industry as best-in-class, globally focused, and of the utmost integrity.”

Shirin Foroutan

Foroutan added, “I’m incredibly proud to join Universal Music Publishing, a team known throughout the industry as best-in-class, globally focused and of the utmost integrity.

“UMP Europe has accumulated impressive success for its songwriters and businesses over the past few years. I am confident that UMP Europe can reach even greater heights for our next chapter by focusing on innovative, collaborative and relational strategies.

“I am grateful to Jody Gerson, Marc Cimino and JW Beekman for the opportunity and I look forward to working with our European business leaders and their teams to provide invaluable service to the creators and partners of UMPG.”music business worldwide