John Smith, Musicians’ Union (MU) general secretary and president of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), has been named PPL’s new chairman.
He will succeed outgoing chair Fran Nevrkla from 1 January 2016. Fran is stepping down following 15 years with the company.
John has worked with PPL for some time - he currently serves as a director on the PPL Board and PPL Performer Board.
John Smith said: ‘I am delighted to be given the opportunity to become Chairman of PPL. It is a great honour to follow in the footsteps of Fran Nevrkla who has presided over such a successful chapter in PPL’s history.
‘Working for many years with PPL, the MU and for the FIM has given me a firm grounding in the practical application of performers’ rights and the role of effective collective management - knowledge that I will continue to apply on behalf of all PPL’s performer and record company members. I am looking forward to being part of the PPL team and working with Peter Leatham [PPL chief executive] and his staff to further the success of the company.’
John began his 40 year music industry career as principal tuba at the English National Opera in 1974 where he enjoyed 20 years. In 1994 he was appointed a full-time official of the MU and was elected as general secretary in December 2002.
He also currently sits on the boards of UK Music, the British Copyright Council and the Educational Recording Agency.
He will succeed outgoing chair Fran Nevrkla from 1 January 2016. Fran is stepping down following 15 years with the company.
John has worked with PPL for some time - he currently serves as a director on the PPL Board and PPL Performer Board.
John Smith said: ‘I am delighted to be given the opportunity to become Chairman of PPL. It is a great honour to follow in the footsteps of Fran Nevrkla who has presided over such a successful chapter in PPL’s history.
‘Working for many years with PPL, the MU and for the FIM has given me a firm grounding in the practical application of performers’ rights and the role of effective collective management - knowledge that I will continue to apply on behalf of all PPL’s performer and record company members. I am looking forward to being part of the PPL team and working with Peter Leatham [PPL chief executive] and his staff to further the success of the company.’
John began his 40 year music industry career as principal tuba at the English National Opera in 1974 where he enjoyed 20 years. In 1994 he was appointed a full-time official of the MU and was elected as general secretary in December 2002.
He also currently sits on the boards of UK Music, the British Copyright Council and the Educational Recording Agency.
