Award-winning media composer Julian Nott has been appointed the new Chair of the PRS Members' Council, effective 1 January 2023. Renowned executive Alexander Kassner has been appointed Deputy Chair.
Elected to the PRS Members' Council in 2021, having previously served on the PRS Board from 2010 to 2019, Julian Nott has scored music for some of the UK’s most successful productions, including Wallace and Gromit and Peppa Pig. His previous roles have included working as a management consultant with Arthur Andersen Management Consultants (now Accenture) and as a writer for the Economist Publications. He also sits on the MCPS Board as the Writer Representative.
Head of Legal and Business Affairs at Kassner Music, Alexander Kassner, will take the role of Deputy Chair, succeeding award-winning composer Dru Masters. Alexander is also a director of MCPS and PPL PRS Ltd, is Chair of the Popular Music Publishers Committee of the MPA, and has been a PRS Publisher Director since 2020.
Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter, composer and Music Week Women in Music 2020 Roll of Honour inductee Michelle Escoffery has been re-appointed as President of the PRS Members' Council.
The role of the PRS Members' Council is to ensure the views, concerns and needs of PRS songwriter, composer and music publisher members are reflected in the decision-making process. The Members' Council is also responsible for setting budgets, strategic oversight and reviewing company performance.
Julian Nott, PRS Writer Council member, says, ‘I am honoured to have been elected as Chair of the Members' Council, and look forward to working closely with Andrea, Michelle and Alex to drive PRS’ ambitious agenda. The Members' Council and PRS Team are aligned in our desire to ensure we deliver the best possible society for members. I would like to personally thank Nigel Elderton, his tireless efforts and leadership as our Chair have been instrumental in PRS for Music’s evolution and successes.’
Alexander Kassner, PRS Publisher Council member, says, ‘I look forward to starting my new role as Deputy Chair and supporting Julian and Michelle in collectively promoting positive change and innovation. My sincere thanks to Dru Masters who throughout his tenure as Deputy Chair has provided his leadership and industry expertise to support the Council’s important activities.’
Michelle Escoffery, President of the PRS Members’ Council, says, ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue as the PRS President and I look forward to accelerating the championing of music creators of all statures, genres and backgrounds.’
