UK Music announces new chief executive

Labour MP Michael Dugher has been named the new chief executive of UK Music, replacing Jo Dipple, who announced her intention to stand down earlier this year.

Dugher (pictured), who will resign as member of parliament for Barnsley East ahead of June’s general election, was sacked as shadow culture secretary in January 2016 after a falling out with party leader Jeremy Corbyn. In parliament, he was known for his advocacy on behalf Britain’s live industry, championing small venues and supporting legislation to curb the secondary ticketing sector.

The MP says he’s “thrilled” to join the music-industry trade body. “I have engaged with the organisation for several years and have seen it go from strength to strength thanks to its board, chairman Andy Heath and previous CEOs Feargal Sharkey and Jo Dipple,” he comments. “There is a great team at UK Music who do brilliant work, and I’m really looking forward to working with them.

“British music is a world-beating industry which brings huge economic benefits for our country. I am determined to work with all the individual members of UK Music […] to ensure our industry is protected during the Brexit process and that we continue to thrive. Safeguarding intellectual property, protecting venues, promoting new opportunities and broadening diversity in the sector are all central to our work at UK Music.

“I am determined to work with all the individual members of UK Music to ensure our industry is protected during the Brexit process and that we continue to thrive”

“Music has been a lifelong passion for me and I’m looking forward to helping make a real difference as UK Music’s new chief executive.”

Andy Heath MBE, UK Music’s chairman, adds: “Michael is a first-class and dynamic choice with a proven track record as a powerful supporter of British music – both the artists and the commercial organisations. He knows the business and politics inside out.

He also pays tribute to Dipple, who “has been a tireless champion for the music sector and has built an organisation which is now a powerful unified voice for the industry”.

Dugher will take up his new position in mid-May.

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