Ivors Academy announces all recipients of its Inaugural Honours

08 September 2025 - Press release

SIR RICHARD BRANSON, JON PLATT, KANYA KING CBE, SIR CHRIS BRYANT MP, CATHERINE MANNERS AND JOHN SWEENEY (1959 - 2025) TO BE RECOGNISED

THE IVORS ACADEMY HONOURS 2025 TO BE HELD AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON PARK LANE ON 2 OCTOBER

SUPPORTED BY IMRO, MCPS, THE NATIONAL MUSIC PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION (NMPA), PPL, PRS FOR MUSIC, ROYALTY ACCESS STUDIO, SENTRIC MUSIC, SESAC MUSIC GROUP AND TIKTOK

 

The Ivors Academy has today revealed the full list of recipients of its inaugural Honours, which recognise advocates and innovators who champion songwriters and composers and help to build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive music industry. Broadcaster Edith Bowman will host the ceremony, which takes place at the InterContinental London Park Lane on Thursday 2 October 2025.

Joining previously announced Honourees RAYE and Kae Tempest are:

• Catherine Manners, Founder of Manners McDade
• Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade
• John Sweeney (1959 - 2025), Vice President, International at SESAC
• Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing
• Kanya King CBE, CEO and Founder of the MOBO Group
• Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group

Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy said: "Songwriters and composers are at the centre of music and The Ivors Academy Honours celebrate the people who empower and stand with them. I'm proud to announce this incredible list of cultural icons, entrepreneurs, visionaries and advocates. Together with the artistry of RAYE and Kae Tempest, and in honour of the late John Sweeney, our Honourees embody what it means to champion and make a lasting difference to the songwriting and composing community." 

The Ivors Academy Honours 2025 are supported by IMRO, MCPS, the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA), PPL, PRS for Music, Royalty Access Studio, Sentric Music, SESAC Music Group and TikTok.

Tickets for The Ivors Academy Honours 2025 are on sale, with a 50% reduction for Professional members.

The Ivors Academy Honours continue the legacy of the Academy's Gold Badge Awards, first held in 1974, and previously awarded to figures including songwriter and campaigner Carla Marie Williams MBE, politician Kevin Brennan, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis CBE and activist and artist Bob Geldof. The Honours celebrate music creators and executives setting higher standards across the sector, and whose advocacy, leadership and innovation are shaping a better future for songwriters and composers.