Taylor Testa has been upped to VP of A&R at Jody Gerson's UMPG. Long considered a rising star in pubbery circles, Santa Monica-based Testa will continue to report to A&R Co-Heads David Gray and Walter Jones, but will now have considerably more freedom to duck our calls.

During her time at Uni, Testa has worked with such creators as Zedd, Kid Harpoon, Kenny Beats, Matt Maeson, Chelsea Cutler, Royal & the Serpent, Skylar Grey, Zhu, Simon Wilcox, Madeon, Jimmy Napes and Gryffin, among many others. She's also Songwriting Co-Chair and L.A. Chapter Head for She Is the Music, which has been a force in the worldwide empowerment of women writers and producers.

"It has been rewarding to watch Taylor’s growth as an executive," sang Jones and Gray in close harmony. "Her passionate belief in and dedication to our artists and writers, as well as her commitment to mentoring our up-and-coming A&R executives, make Taylor an integral member of the UMPG A&R team."

For her part, Testa expressed her gratitude to pubco boss Gerson, Gray and Jones, adding "I am grateful to work with such talented songwriters who trust me with their art. I couldn't be more excited for this next chapter. Who's calling? HITS? Send those losers to voice mail."

Prior to her arrival at UMPG, Testa held A&R posts at Virgin Records, Sony/ATV and Epic. She is a member of the City of Hope's Future Hope Core Committee.