All change at Keychange after Maxie Gedge’s exit
UK-based gender equality initiative Keychange has announced a series of new appointments following the exit of project manager Maxie Gedge.
Three current PRS Foundation members of staff are to expand their roles at the organisation, with Francine Gorman becoming Keychange project manager (UK), Aysha Hussain made Keychange coordinator (UK) and Alison Williams switching from part-time to full-time PRS Foundation communications coordinator.
In addition, Barnaby Duff has come on board as PRS Foundation grants coordinator.
“I am delighted to welcome Francine, Aysha, Alison and Barnaby to their new and expanded roles,” says PRS Foundation CEO Joe Frankland.
“Following the departure of Maxie Gedge, who worked across both Keychange as a project manager and our communications team as a part-time coordinator, it’s fantastic that both Francine and Alison are expanding their current remits with the organisation and Aysha steps into a wider role that epitomises the collaborative, Europe-wide ethos of Keychange.
“And following a period of record demand for our funds, Barnaby will play a vital role in making sure we maintain a pioneering approach to grant-making, efficiently reaching and helping many talented music creators to fulfil their potential as possible. The skills, dedication and knowledge in their respective areas will be a huge asset to the organisation going forward.”
“The impact of Maxie’s work at PRS Foundation over the past five years has been huge”
Frankland also paid tribute to Gedge, who has joined Secretly Group as European project manager.
“I and the whole PRS Foundation team wish Maxie the best in her new role at Secretly Group. The impact of Maxie’s work at PRS Foundation over the past five years has been huge and through Keychange she has really helped to move the dial for women and gender minority artists and innovators around the world,” he said.
“While all at PRS Foundation and Keychange are sad to see her go, we will continue to connect and know that in this exciting new role at Secretly Group, Maxie will continue to shape a stronger, fairer music industry.”
Keychange recently confirmed that 500 music organisations have now committed themselves to achieve parity between men and women and non-binary people by signing its pledge.
The Keychange pledge requires signatories to achieve at least 50% representation of women and gender minorities in an area of their work.
Launched in 2017, Keychange initially focused on festivals – with signatory festivals pledging to book at least 50% of women for their line-ups – and now also includes record labels, broadcasters, venues, publishers, collection societies and orchestras in six continents among its supporters.
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PRS Foundation appoints new CEO
UK-based music development charity PRS Foundation has appointed Joe Frankland as its new chief executive, effective 22 July.
Frankland has worked at the foundation since 2014, running the Momentum Music Fund and the International Showcase Fund in his first role as industry fund manager.
Since 2015, Frankland has held the position of senior grants and programmes manager, leading grant-making and partnership programmes.
He previously worked in talent development at Newcastle-based music development agency Generator.
“I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been offered the role of PRS Foundation chief executive,” says Frankland.
“I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been offered the role of PRS Foundation chief executive”
“I am proud to work with such an enthusiastic team and board and look forward to collaborating with partners and the industry to support the UK’s most exciting music creators and pioneering organisations.”
PRS Foundation chair and managing director of Bucks music group, Simon Platz says he is “delighted” with the new appointment.
“Joe’s years of experience delivering targeted support and developing talent will be a huge asset as he leads the Foundation into its third decade,” comments Platz.
Frankland takes over the role from Vanessa Reed, who held the top position at PRS Foundation for eleven years. Reed says she has “no doubt” that her successor will “do an excellent job”.
Reed was appointed president and chief executive of New Music USA in April.
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