TOP BRASS DEPART UK MUSIC

The two top officials at the British Government lobbying organization, UK Music, will step down at the end of January. Chairman and Founder Andy Heath is exiting down after 11 years at the helm and CEO Michael Dugher is heading off to become CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council.

Heath will remain Chairman until the process of recruiting a CEO to replace Dugher has been completed. Tom Kiehl, currently Deputy CEO, will take over as acting CEO during the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive.

“The time is right for me to make way for a successor,” Heath said. “Indeed I intended to step down before Michael Dugher was appointed, but felt it was right to support Michael in his, then, new post. I’m thrilled that I did that as UK Music has risen to new achievements under his leadership. Building on the impressive legacy of Jo Dipple, UK Music is now a truly respected organization in Westminster, Whitehall, the media and within the industry itself.”

Heath, who has been on the board of Beggars Group, served on the Council of the Music Publishers Association, sat on the boards of PRS For Music and Mechanical Copyright Protection Society, also saluted Feargal Sharkey’s role in the org’s early years.

“When we started, legislators and commentators generally regarded the music industry in a very confused and not always complimentary light. We did not have the ear of government and were seen as a slightly disreputable industry.

“That has all changed now and it is entirely down to the members of UK Music finding and expressing a common and constructive voice, which is now, not only heard, but sought out for information and opinion.”

Dugher spent three years in the CEO role, joining UK Music after serving as Labour MP for Barnsley East for seven years. During his time at the helm, Dugher spearheaded the campaign to change planning laws to protect music venues and also took on the Government over the impact of soaring business rates. He has set up regional Music Boards across the U.K. and helped win key votes on the EU Copyright Directive to deliver fair rewards for music creators and investors through the #LoveMusic campaign.

“We have achieved great things for an industry that makes a huge and positive contribution to our country,” Dugher said. “I have always believed in the power of music to transform lives and I am grateful for the opportunity UK Music’s members gave me back in 2017 to play a part in what is a wonderful organization. I hope I have made a difference.”