Legends of Football Appoints PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE as New Chair

22 August 2025 - Press release

 

Legends of Football are delighted to announce that Peter Leathem OBE has agreed to take over as Chair from Geoff Shreeves with immediate effect. As CEO of PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited), Peter is without doubt both one of the most well-known and respected figures in the music industry and a long-standing supporter of Legends of Football.

After seven years serving as Chair, Shreeves’ commitment to Legends of Football remains unchanged; he will continue in his role as presenter and ambassador. Under his stewardship, Legends of Football has evolved into one of the standout highlights of the sporting calendar. Supporting the music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, the event has raised around £8.5 million since its inception in 1997. In recent years, it has celebrated some of football’s biggest names - including Fara Williams MBE, Wayne Rooney, Emma Hayes OBE, and Ian Wright OBE - cementing its reputation as one of the most prestigious and unmissable events in the sports industry.

Commenting on the transition, Geoff Shreeves said: "I am delighted to announce that my good friend and long-term ally of Legends of Football, PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE, has agreed to succeed me as Chair of Legends of Football with immediate effect. Peter is without doubt not only one of the best-connected people in the music business but also one of the most respected. His support and enthusiasm for Legends of Football is nearly at the same level of his love for West Ham! Peter will work closely with our existing key stakeholders and sponsors to continue to grow the event, and I will continue as presenter and event ambassador."

Peter Leathem OBE brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the music industry. As CEO of PPL since 2012, Peter has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic vision and strengthening its reputation as one of the most respected music licensing organisations in the world.

Peter Leathem OBE said: "I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and to follow in Geoff’s footsteps. Legends of Football has achieved so much under his leadership, not only celebrating the game we love but also raising vital funds for Nordoff and Robbins. I have been attending Legends of Football for over 15 years and seen it go from strength to strength. I look forward to working with Emily, Maggie, Geoff, our Board, and our partners to ensure the event continues to thrive and grow."

Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff and Robbins, added: "We can’t thank Geoff enough for his unwavering support during his time as Legends of Football Chair and for the millions of pounds he's been a crucial part of raising, to help more people across the UK connect and communicate through the power of music. We’re incredibly pleased that Peter Leathem OBE has agreed to take over from Geoff as Chair. Peter and PPL have been avid supporters of Nordoff and Robbins for many years and we look forward to continuing our relationship through this spectacular event."

Legends of Football is pleased to share the following updated leadership roles:

• Geoff Shreeves: Event Ambassador & Presenter
• Peter Leathem OBE: Chair of Legends of Football
• Emily Philp: CEO of Legends of Football (promoted from Commercial Director)
• Maggie Peal: Financial Controller and Operations & Events Manager