UK Music unveils new Chair of Equality and Diversity Taskforce

24 October 2019 - Press release

UK Music has announced that music entrepreneur Ammo Talwar will be the new chair of its Equality and Diversity Taskforce.

Ammo replaces Keith Harris OBE who has chaired the taskforce for the last three years at UK Music - the body which represents the UK’s commercial music industry.

Established in 2015, the taskforce works with the music business, Government and other stakeholders to boost inclusion and diversity across the industry. 

It includes representatives from the core industry sectors: major and indie record labels, music publishers, trade organisations, collection societies and the British live music industry.

In 2016, UK Music undertook the first industry-wide workforce diversity survey, focusing on gender and ethnicity. The latest survey was published in 2018. The co-chair of the taskforce is Paulette Long OBE.

 

Ammo Talwar said:

“I feel hugely privileged to chair this taskforce. 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 said:

"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."

 

UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said:

“Our work on improving diversity is one of the biggest priorities we have at UK Music. Our latest industry-wide survey found that whilst things are improving when it comes to diversity, there is still a huge amount of work to do.

“All of us at UK Music would like to pay tribute to Keith for his brilliant work on the taskforce and welcome Ammo as the new chair at this important time for our industry”.

In a further change, UK Music’s Rachel Bolland will succeed Felicity Oliver as UK Music’s Head of Diversity. Rachel will remain as Director of Operations and Felicity will continue as Head of Parliamentary Affairs and Events.