Singer-songwriter-actress and Chrome Hearts co-creative director Jesse Jo Stark has signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas.
Stark’s new album “Muse” is out Nov. 6, which follows dates opening for or performing with Post Malone, Guns N’ Roses and Jane’s Addiction, as well as multiple festival appearances. In addition to her work at Chrome Hearts, Stark also helms the clothing line Deadly Doll.
+ Veteran music executive Rebecca Allen is leaving Universal Music Group U.K. after 27 years, according to Music Week. She will continue in an advisory role at UMG.
Following the merger of EMI and Island in July 2024, Allen was appointed as president of the new Audience & Media division, and subsequently promoted to the newly-formed, “first-of-its-kind” leadership role of chief artist and strategy officer in December 2025. Previously, she was president and later co-president of the relaunched EMI (alongside Jo Charrington), following her role as president of Decca from 2017 to 2020 – becoming the first female president at a Universal Music U.K. label.
“I leave enormously proud of what we’ve created together, grateful for the friendships, the adventures, the lessons and the laughter, and for 27 years that have shaped me in more ways than I probably even realise yet,” Allen wrote in a farewell letter to staff, per MW. “It’s been quite a ride. I can’t thank you all enough for being on this journey with me. Love to you all.”
+ Sony Music Publishing Colombia has entered into a global catalog administration agreement with the Estate of acclaimed Colombian singer, songwriter and accordionist Omar Geles, one of the most influential artists to work in vallenato music. The agreement encompasses more than three-hundred celebrated works penned by the Latin-Grammy nominated songwriter including the vallenato anthem “Cuatro Rosas,” as well as classics such as “A Blanco y Negro,” “Tu Hombre Soy Yo” and “Tarde lo Conocí.”
“In the name of my family and the Omar Geles state, we want to extend our most sincere gratitude for opening your doors and allow us to be part of the Sony Music Publishing family,” said Maren García. “We hope to build a relationship based in trust, respect, and the commitment of continuing to take Omar Geles’ legacy to new generations. Thanks for making us feel at home since the first moment and for continuing to write the history of the legacy of my eternal love, a legacy that will continue to live in each one of his songs.”
Jorge Mejía, President and CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin, Sony Music Publishing said, “Omar Geles was not only a defining voice in vallenato music, but one of the great songwriters of his generation. It is a true honor to partner with his family to preserve, promote and expand his legacy, ensuring that his songs continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.”
+ The Music Publishers Association, the U.K. trade body representing music publishers, has named Faber Music CEO Richard King as its new Board Chair for a three-year term, following a vote by its Board of Directors. He succeeds Paulette Long OBE, who remains an MPA Board Director following the conclusion of her term as Chair.
Having served as CEO of leading independent music publisher Faber Music since 1999, King brings more than 25 years of publishing leadership to the role, with experience spanning classical, film and TV, pop and printed music. He previously served as an MPA Director from 2002 to 2019 before rejoining the Board in 2022. He was a PRS director for 18 years to 2022, a Director of PRS Foundation for 9 years to 2024 and has been a Director of PML since its inception in 2012. King will work alongside Peter Jackson, who joined the MPA as Managing Director in July.
“I’m looking forward to building on the great work of Paulette and the MPA executive team, particularly by using my experience as a music publisher to further amplify our sector’s voice on the issues that matter most to members,” King said. “There is plenty to build on. The Government’s recently announced Plan for Music and new National Plan for Music Education are welcome steps, but we need to ensure these initiatives lead to meaningful, sustained long-term change. At a time of enormous change, it is more important than ever that music publishers have a strong and unified voice.”
Paul Clements, CEO of the MPA Group, added, “Richard has been an important voice within the MPA for many years and I know he will bring fresh thinking, challenge and real ambition to the role of Chair. Peter has already made a huge impact since joining us, bringing new energy and ideas to the team and a clear vision for how we can do even more for our members.
“I’d also like to thank Paulette for her outstanding leadership and contribution as Chair. With Richard leading the Board and Peter driving the MPA forward day-to-day, we have a brilliant team in place for this next chapter.”