UK Music hires new diversity taskforce chairman

UK Music has announced Ammo Talwar, founder of touring and artist management firm Punch, as the new chair of its equality and diversity taskforce.

Talwar replaces Keith Harris, who has chaired the body for the last three years. The co-chair of the taskforce remains Paulette Long.

Established in 2015, the quality and diversity taskforce works with the music business, the British government and other stakeholders to boost inclusion and diversity across the industry. It includes representatives from the UK live music industry, as well as major and indie record labels, music publishers, trade organisations and collection societies.

In 2016, UK Music undertook the first industry wide workforce diversity survey, focusing on gender and ethnicity. The latest survey was published in 2018.

“I feel hugely privileged to chair this taskforce”

“I feel hugely privileged to chair this taskforce,” says Talwar. “UK Music has made real inroads around diversity and inclusion. We are global leaders in music-making and I’m confident that the UK’s music sector will continue to move at pace, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of community, music and genres.”

Outgoing chair Keith Harris adds: “Having headed the UK Music equality and diversity taskforce for three years, during which time we have seen the industry inching towards a more balanced and diverse workforce, I am delighted to be handing over to Ammo Talwar.

“His energy and enthusiasm will help to make sure that the momentum is not lost and his perspective from outside the London environment will drive the new initiatives needed make sure that we have an industry which fairly represents the whole music community.”

In a further change, UK Music’s Rachel Bolland will succeed Felicity Oliver as the umbrella organisation’s head of diversity.

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Virpi Immonen, Per Kviman to lead EMMA

The new European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) announced Per Kviman and Virpi Immonen as its first chair and vice-chair, respectively, at the association’s first formal Board meeting at Reeperbahn Festival last week.

Both Kviman, the CEO of Stockholm-based Versity Music and chair of the Music Managers Forum (MMF) Sweden, and Immonen, CEO of Finlandi’s Fullsteam Management, will serve a minimum two-year term. EMMA’s temporary inaugural chair, Keith Harris, stands down with immediate effect.

Speaking to EMMA’s membership, which comprises 50+ artist managers from more than 20 countries, Kviman said: “I am honoured to serve as EMMA’s first chair, and would like to thank Keith Harris in particular for his guidance and expertise. This organisation was established in response to some fundamental changes in our business, and to reflect the plain fact that artists and their representatives must now be at the forefront of discussions about the future of music.

“It’s time to seize our moment and put artist and creator rights at the heart of European music policy”

“It’s time to seize our moment and put artist and creator rights at the heart of European music policy.”

“How inspirational to be elected at Reeperbahn, surrounded by music managers from around Europe and the rest of the world,” added Immonen. “Through EMMA I look forward to building these connections, and ensuring we not only have a powerful unified voice for our artist clients but also a pathway to greater sharing of skills, knowledge and ideas.”

EMMA launched in London in April, bringing managers’ associations across Europe under one umbrella, in a similar format to the long-established International Music Managers Forum (IMMF).

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