The Ivors Academy appoint Roberto Neri as CEO

The Ivors Academy has appointed Roberto Neri as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Roberto will formally take up his new role on 15 April, taking over from interim CEO Charlie Phillips.

Having embarked on his career in music as Publisher Relations Manager at PRS for Music, Roberto now has over 20 years' experience working in senior roles across the music industry. His previous roles include Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Utopia Music Services, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development at Downtown Music, Founder and CEO at Eagle-i Music and Vice President of International at Bug Music Ltd.

His most recent role was as CEO of the publishing arm of Believe, which represents over 400,000 songwriters and composers globally. He has also served on a number of music industry boards, including the Music Publishers Association, UK Music, PRS for Music, MCPS and PPL/PRS.

Roberto is currently a Trustee of Music For My Mind, a charity that enhances the lives of dementia patients and their carers through the power of music.

Roberto Neri said in a statement: ‘I am deeply honoured and humbled to step into the role of CEO of The Ivors Academy. It is a dream job to fervently advocate for and represent songwriters and composers, who I have been fortunate enough to represent for over two decades globally.

‘I believe now, more than ever, is the pivotal moment to ensure music creators’ interests are protected, championed, valued and recognised for their central and indispensable role in the success of the entire music business.’

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, added: ‘On behalf of the Board and Academy, I am thrilled to welcome Roberto Neri as our new CEO. He brings a huge breadth of industry experience, knowledge and leadership skills. His commitment - and ours to him - is to be the most influential voice for songwriters and composers in the world.’