The BPI – the representative voice for independent and major record labels across the UK – has appointed acclaimed musician, composer and broadcaster YolanDa Brown as its new chair.
YolanDa will take over from Ged Doherty, who announced in February that he would be standing down after seven years in the role. The BPI Council led an extensive search to find suitable candidates for Ged’s replacement, seeking out a new chair with a strong working knowledge of the music industry and an appreciation of the opportunities and challenges shaping British music today.
A champion for the importance of music education, YolanDa is chair of Youth Music, a trustee of the PRS Foundation and a national council member for Arts Council England among other appointments. She also sits on the advisory board of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and contributes to the government’s advisory panel on Music Education. In addition to this, YolanDa is a MOBO Award winning saxophonist and respected TV and radio broadcaster.
YolanDa Brown, newly appointed BPI chair, says: ‘There is something special about British music – our artists across many genres and generations have been the soundtrack to people’s lives. The last few years have been challenging for our music community – we’ve had to evolve, listen more and show greater empathy, address past issues and collaborate to a much greater extent. There’s still more to do, but there are also so many exciting opportunities that lie ahead.’
‘I am honoured to take on this role as Chair of the BPI. A big thank you to my predecessor Ged Doherty for his drive and dedication, which I will continue to build on. I am looking forward to working with the entire BPI Council and members, CEO Geoff Taylor and his team, labels of all shapes and sizes, and of course artists and the wider industry bodies as we all continue to fly the flag for British music.’
