UK Music Chief Executive is to leave the
organisation after three years at the helm to become the Prime
Minister’s new Director of Strategy.
Jamie joined UK Music - the collective voice of the UK music
industry - in September 2020 as Chief Executive and helped steer
the sector through the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to helping secure vital financial support for the
sector during the pandemic, he championed the importance of music
education, playing a key role in drawing up the new National Plan
for Music Education.
He helped lead efforts that secured the safe return of live music
after its shutdown due to the pandemic, acted as a champion for
the power of music to transform people’s health and wellbeing,
and boosted UK Music’s work on diversity and inclusion.
More recently, Jamie has co-ordinated the sector’s response to
the challenges posed by the impact of artificial intelligence,
stressing the need for effective copyright protection.
UK Music Chairman said:
“Jamie joined UK Music when the sector was in the midst of a
crisis due to impact of Covid. He swiftly played a key role in
securing the vital support the industry needed to help get back
on its feet.
“He is a passionate advocate for our sector and has worked
tirelessly on behalf of UK Music and our members in our shared
determination to grow our industry, create skilled jobs, boost
music education and help make the music business an inclusive and
welcoming place to work.
“Over his three years Jamie has been a stellar success and I can
fully understand why the Prime Minister would want him in a very
senior Downing Street role. I’m sure he will deploy his
considerable skills for the country in the same way he has for
the music industry.
“We wish him the very best in his new role and look forward to
seeing him ensure the Government supports our world-leading UK
music industry just as strongly as he has done.
"On a personal note, I’d like to thank Jamie for his friendship,
advice and most importantly his very impressive piano playing. We
will all miss him, but know he will make a difference in his new
role”
UK Music Chief Executive said:
“The UK music industry is one of this country’s great national
assets, and it’s been a privilege to represent it for the past
three years.
“Leading UK Music through what was the toughest of times for our
sector during the pandemic, when the music industry faced an
existential struggle, has been an immense honour.
“I’m delighted our sector is in much better shape now to take on
the challenges and opportunities it faces in the
future.
“I would like to thank , the UK Music Board and the fantastic team at UK Music
for all their hard work and dedication. And also the countless
people across the sector who have been so supportive of me over
the past three years.
“I wish UK Music every success for the future, and hope
policymakers continue to give it the support it needs and
deserves.”
Before taking up his role at UK Music, Jamie was a Government
special adviser. He is a trustee of Britten Pears Arts, sits on
the board of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Arts Council
England’s National Council. He is also member of Council of the
Royal College of Music.
UK Music Deputy Chief Executive Tom Kiehl will be interim Chief
Executive.
