Jesse Jo Stark Signs With WME; Rebecca Allen Exits Universal U.K.

Jesse Jo Stark, the singer-songwriter-actress and co-creative director of Chrome Hearts, has signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas. The deal lands weeks before her new album "Muse," out Nov. 6.

Stark built her live profile through dates opening for or performing with Post Malone, Guns N' Roses and Jane's Addiction, plus multiple festival appearances. Beyond Chrome Hearts, she runs the clothing line Deadly Doll. The WME signing gives the multi-hyphenate a single agency home across music, film and fashion interests as the album cycle begins.

Who is leaving Universal Music U.K.?

Veteran 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.

Allen's trajectory tracked the reshaping of the U.K. label landscape. She became the first female president at a Universal Music U.K. label when she led Decca from 2017 to 2020, then served as president and later co-president of the relaunched EMI alongside Jo Charrington. After the merger of EMI and Island in July 2024, she was appointed president of the new Audience & Media division. In December 2025 she was promoted to the newly formed, "first-of-its-kind" role of chief artist and strategy officer.

"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 Music Week. "It's been quite a ride. I can't thank you all enough for being on this journey with me. Love to you all."

What does the Omar Geles agreement cover?

Sony Music Publishing Colombia has signed a global catalog administration agreement with the Estate of Omar Geles, the acclaimed Colombian singer, songwriter and accordionist described as one of the most influential artists in vallenato music. The deal covers more than three hundred works by the Latin Grammy-nominated songwriter, including the vallenato anthem "Cuatro Rosas" and 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."

Jorge Mejía, President and CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin, Sony Music Publishing, called Geles "not only a defining voice in vallenato music, but one of the great songwriters of his generation." He added: "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."

Who is the MPA's new Board Chair?

The Music Publishers Association, the U.K. trade body for 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.

King has led the independent publisher Faber Music since 1999, bringing more than 25 years of publishing leadership spanning classical, film and TV, pop and printed music. He previously served as an MPA Director from 2002 to 2019, rejoining the Board in 2022, and was a PRS director for 18 years to 2022. He 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."

MPA Group CEO Paul Clements credited King with bringing "fresh thinking, challenge and real ambition" and thanked Long "for her outstanding leadership and contribution as Chair."

What does this change for the wider sector? Allen's exit removes one of Universal U.K.'s most senior strategists as the merged EMI-Island structure matures, while King's chairmanship positions the MPA to press the U.K. government on delivering its music plans — with both stories pointing toward leadership transitions that will shape the industry's next chapter into 2026.

By Marcus Bennett