UK Music appoints Michael Dugher as new chief executive

27 April 2017 - Press release

UK Music, the music industry trade body, has announced that Michael Dugher, has been appointed as its news chief executive.

Michael is a former Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and has been a Labour MP for the seat of Barnsley East since 2010. He announced he was leaving the House of Commons earlier this month and he will become the third chief executive since UK Music was launched in 2008.

The appointment follows a recruitment process which began after Jo Dipple announced in January she was to step down after five years as chief executive. She had previously spent more than three years as head of government relations.

Andy Heath MBE, chairman of UK Music, said: “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.

“Jo has been a tireless champion for the music sector and has built an organisation which is now a powerful unified voice for the industry.”          

Michael said: "I'm thrilled to have been appointed chief executive of UK Music. 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. 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 – on the business and creator side – 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.

"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."

Michael will take up his position in mid-May.