The U.K. music industry's umbrella trade body, UK Music, has named Tom Kiehl as its new Chief Executive. He takes on the title after serving in an interim capacity since last September.

Kiehl will lead the organization at a critical time, as the industry prepares for the arrival of a new British government following polling day on 7/4.

With more than two decades of experience working in and around London’s political hub of Westminster, Kiehl will spearhead the music sector’s cross-party engagement with Ministers, MPs, policymakers and government officials. He joined UK Music in 2012 as Director of Public Affairs and was promoted to deputy CEO in 2018.

Welcoming the appointment, UK Music Chair Tom Watson said, “The UK Music Board is looking forward to working with Tom to help him progress his exciting ideas to ensure the U.K. music industry continues to grow and retain its unique place in the world. At this important time, I'm confident Tom is the right person for the job. He will be a tireless advocate for our members and our sector—using his wide range of talents to drive UK Music to even greater heights.”

In his new role, which starts this month, Kiehl will focus on providing everything from “strong copyright protections and more music teachers to key safeguards around AI and greater support for music freelancers.”

He continued, “I want young people across the U.K. to see our industry as the most inclusive and exciting place to work, and one which will reward their talents. We need to turn this moment of considerable political change into a moment to achieve change for UK Music.”