Esses 40 executivos estão definindo o padrão para seus pares na indústria musical do Reino Unido.
Depois de fundar a NQ aos 20 anos, ajudando a orientar o rapper Aitch rumo ao estrelato mainstream e a um BRIT Award, enquanto apoiava uma riqueza de talentos locais, Adex está agora expandindo a empresa de entretenimento de Manchester “further into my other passions: sport, film and TV.” Em 2026 apenas, a NQ lançou a Creamfield Recordings ao lado da U.
festival de dança K. do mesmo nome, enquanto garante a Aitch um documentário da Netflix, Don’t Be Afraid, para contar a história de sua escalada em janeiro de 2025 no Monte Kilimanjaro que arrecadou mais de £160.
NQ nunca foi pensado apenas como uma empresa de música, queremos construir negócios, marcas e talentos em um nível holístico dentro da cultura," acrescenta Adex.
Agora com 30 anos, ele também criou o NQ Legacy, um projeto de alcance comunitário para ajudar jovens a encontrar seu lugar nas artes, e está pedindo “os grandes [labels], os DSPs, os grandes promotores e o governo a investirem em impacto, não apenas em atividade.”.
Music brand partnership agent, Creative Artists Agency.
Managing director, Warner Records U. K.
The team of executives that Burford and Warner Records U. K. is building is full of “dynamic, entrepreneurial and creative thinkers” that approach “campaigns in a completely modern way.” He points to the “incredible” results for signee PinkPantheress and her Fancy That mixtape, which featured Billboard Global 200 chart-topper “Stateside (Remix)”.
Now, Dua Lipa’s “Training Season” is storming up the U. K.’s Official Singles Chart two years after its release, landing back inside the top five. “I don’t think any other combination of executives would have delivered those campaigns,” he concludes.
Head of music, Factory International.
Coulson-Smith, 38, desenvolveu e aprimorou um elenco eclético de compositores, produtores e artistas na Concord, que inclui nomes como Mount Kimbie e Yazmin Lacey, até Wesley Joseph e Biffy Clyro.
In 2025 and 2026 so far, Concord writers have contributed to 14 No. 1s on the U. K.’s Official Albums Chart, including Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving; Dave’s The Boy Who Played the Harp; and Gorillaz’s The Mountain.
If you stay true to those things, good work has a way of rising to the top.”.
Dief’s past year has been defined by three major milestones in the representation of Arabic music in London: promoting Angham’s Royal Albert Hall debut, the first headline performance at the venue by an Egyptian artist since 1976; orchestrating Omar Khairat’s presentation of Arabic composition at the Hall; and helping launch Maharajan, a one-day festival at Crystal Palace Bowl.
Nascida entre Baheira e Cairo, Egito, grande parte do tempo de Dief na Live Nation como promotora tem sido guiada por um desejo de conectar a diáspora com suas raízes culturais, enquanto impulsiona a indústria ao vivo a “dar chances a novas visões”, o que ela alcançou através dos shows mencionados.
There are “a lot of things in the pipeline for 2027,” the 27-year-old says, “including some artists that London has not seen in decades.”.
Global head of marketing & strategy, Various Artists Management.
A key driving mantra for Dixon in her role has been listening to artists and “not sticking to things formulaically because it’s worked for someone else.” Dixon, 32, played an integral part in the roll-out for Melanie C’s Sweat LP, which reached No.
3 on the U. K ‘s Official Albums Chart, the highest-ever placing for a solo project by any of the Spice Girls: “She’s the most inspiring and hardworking person and encourages that in everyone around her too.” Dixon’s next focus will be the sophomore album from dance-pop act Rose Gray.
Ela é simplesmente um talento e tem uma visão incrivelmente forte," diz Dixon. "Não vejo a hora de as pessoas descobrirem e se absorverem em seu álbum e mundo.
Na Believe, Fell-Douglas tem dedicado o último ano a expandir o papel que as operações de publicação desempenham para os escritores, desde aqueles que estão criando sua primeira música até artistas que alcançam o topo das paradas.
Isso significa levar a publicação além de uma função que operava silenciosamente nos bastidores e transformá‑la em algo que criasse ativamente valor e oportunidade para os escritores em todas as fases de suas carreiras.
Construir maior visibilidade em registro, ganhos de músicas e correspondência de dados demonstra à lista de artistas assinados pela Believe que “a transparência não deve ser um USP, deve simplesmente ser o padrão”, afirma Fell‑Douglas, 35 anos.
Head of A&R, Sony Music Publishing U. K.
In her role as head of A&R, Gabrielli, 36, has worked to not be “distracted by the noise of the industry and instead keep my focus on the songs.” Recent signings to Sony Music Publishing by Gabrielli’s team include Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Myles Smith, Dave and EsDeeKid, proving that SMP U.
K.’s “creative team have really been shining and achieving this year.” Developing and empowering talent in her team is paramount to this success: “It’s vital the industry always works to grant young people the space to express themselves and bring ideas to the table,” she says, to allow “progressive and innovative approaches to develop.”.
Head of A&R, Island EMI Label Group.
Lola Young, The Last Dinner Party and Jacob Alon — the latter of whom won the BRITs’ Critics Choice prize and two Ivor Novello Awards — collectively serve as just a taster of the recent successes for Island Records’ roster.
Os conhecimentos de A&R na atualidade, diz Greengrass, permanecem firmes, no entanto: “Back brave, unique artistry and then be patient with it.” O de 38 anos continua, “some of the most rewarding things I’ve been involved with have taken time.”.
Patience and conviction are massively important in this job.” Up next? English Teacher’s follow-up to Mercury Prize-winning debut LP This Could Be Texas and the rise of Irish trad-folk group Madra Salach.
Campaign manager, frontline recordings U. K., BMG.
Em 2021, Herron se juntou à equipe da BMG como aprendiz, sem experiência na indústria musical. Sua disposição em assumir novos desafios o levou a conquistar várias promoções nos anos que se seguiram, mas ele diz que a maior lição foi aprender a confiar em sua própria expertise.
Founding & managing director, Blackstar Agency.
With an artist roster including Hayley Williams, Arlo Parks and Nine Inch Nails, and clients spanning Sony Music, Domino Records, The Orchard and AWAL, Blackstar Agency has grown to become one of the U.
K.’s leading independent music marketing agencies. Its rise is down to expanding operations “sustainably while protecting the values and creative ambition the agency was built on.” Those principles extend to how she thinks about the industry more broadly, particularly its responsibility to the next generation.
Since launching SXSW London from “ground zero,” Holness has helped establish the culture and tech event as a new platform for emerging talent and industry leaders, welcoming more than 30,000 people to each edition.
He’s particularly proud of creating a space where artists can “take risks,” with Erykah Badu and Sega Bodega among those premiering new music at the event. “Find the people pushing creativity forward, whether that’s artists breaking new ground or people experimenting with emerging technology, and bring them together and help create something new,” he says.
Director of talent, AEG Presents European Festivals.
Creative director, Polydor Label Group.
The Rolling Stones released their 15th U. K. No. 1 album Foreign Tongues in July with a typically brash creative energy. The LP’s artwork – which featured a cartoonish composite of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Woods’ faces – and the video for “In the Stars” is proof that the rockers’ penchant for provocation is yet to fade.
Director of growth, Warner Music U. K.
Senior vp, global society relations & digital rights, Warner Chappell Music.
Lang’s role includes maximizing value and delivering “the best outcomes for our songwriters” in the Warner Chappell Music catalogue. Strengthening the companies relationships with “like-minded societies” on a global level and leading and contributing to “a number of significant DSP negotiations as the market continues to evolve” keeps him on his toes.
É uma área em que trabalho há muito tempo, mas nunca fica realmente parada, o que provavelmente explica por que ainda a acho tão interessante. Agora, ele quer retribuir e trazer novas perspectivas para os processos de tomada de decisão.
Head of business development, Europe, Virgin Music Group.
No último ano, McKinney desempenhou um papel na expansão do negócio do Virgin Music Group no U. K. com uma lista de parceiros de gravadoras que abrange vários gêneros, incluindo Earache, Chess Club e Killabop, e artistas como Of Monsters & Men e Leigh‑Anne.
McKinney, 37, also brought together business development talent from across VMG’s expanded businesses following the completed merger with FUGA and Downtown, with a goal of building “a trusted group of peers to riff with, challenge your thinking and learn from.” With an expanded suite of tools, more label partnerships are on the horizon, she says, as well as revelling in the “pretty special feeling” of releasing new LPs from Interpol, Bloc Party, Kings of Leon and Bad Omens.
Senior vp, sync & creative, Bella Figura Music.
Artist relations, U. K. lead, Apple Music.
O recém‑aberto Apple Music Hall em Battersea é “um espaço projetado com o artista no centro, dando-lhes uma plataforma para criar experiências ao vivo inesquecíveis e íntimas e muito mais”, diz Morlese, 39, que trabalha na plataforma de streaming há cinco anos.
She is looking forward to building “bespoke shows” at the venue, which boasts a 38-foot-wide stage and a 48-speaker sound system, and also operates as a production facility.
During her tenure with Apple Music, the Londoner, 39, has also honed the creative direction of Elton John’s Rocket Hour radio show while working closely with the icon himself, alongside delivering ambitious Black History Month and Pride campaigns across the platform.
Ao longo dos 16 anos que ele passou na WME Music Central, Nees avançou em direção a se tornar sócio da agência e representa uma lista diversificada de artistas que inclui Empire Of The Sun, Stormzy, Ashnikko, Blood Orange, The Hu e além.
The 39-year-old has played a pivotal role in the growth of WME’s U. K. music division, thanks in part to his collaborative approach to relationship-building with premier venues, festivals and artist managers across the world.
Nees’ most valuable career lesson has been seeing how “marginal daily improvement over a consistent period of time results in massive growth in the long run. Small, steady effort compounds in ways that feel invisible day to day but become undeniable over years.” He affirms: “Loving the challenge is as important as loving the result.”.
Head of indies & label relations, Amazon Music U. K.
As the inaugural chair of the ERA Future Leaders board, which fosters mentorship and networking opportunities for younger music industry talent, Page, 31, is finding new ways to “build bridges and celebrate voices across regions, sectors, and every corner of the industry.” The Amazon Music U.
K. executive knows the importance of opening doors for the next generation firsthand, having cut his teeth at Manchester indie label Scruff of the Neck in his early 20s, before going on to lead high-profile streaming partnerships, including the blockbuster Oasis Live ’25 campaign, and Breakthrough Lab, Amazon Music’s program for emerging acts.
Music booking agent, Primary Talent International.
After realising that Ethel Cain’s ongoing momentum around her 2022 LP Preacher’s Daughter meant it was “the time to let it rip,” Pickering-Copley took a big swing with the alternative singer-songwriter’s U.
K. touring plans last year, booking five nights at London’s 5,000-capacity Eventim Apollo across a week in October. Each night sold out as it went on sale, turning the run into the flagship moment of the campaign and taking Cain’s touring business “to a whole other level.” The 35-year-old has also landed major U.
K. colocações em festivais para outros clientes independentes Mitski e Men I Trust, e está atualmente construindo os portfólios ao vivo de Underscores e Frost Children.
President & founder, Robots + Humans.
Como fundador da Robots + Humans, um selo da Sony Music U. K. que foca em lançar artistas emergentes usando insights baseados em tecnologia, Ronaldson aprendeu que “é importante dar às pessoas tempo suficiente para fazer coisas incríveis.” No último ano, ele ajudou o produtor de Dublin, F3miii, a se destacar globalmente com “Noble”, além de apoiar a banda indie viral Daydreamers durante toda a campanha do álbum de estreia.
He’s also overseeing the release of Wretch 32’s legendary “Fire in the Booth” – which saw the rapper freestyle live over The xx’s “Intro” live on BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2015 – after the sample recently got cleared, describing it as “an iconic piece of U.
Senior vp (international marketing & digital), Sony Music U. K.
Salisbury has continued to reshape Sony Music U. K.’s international marketing functions, helping drive global success for Myles Smith, Bring Me the Horizon and Central Cee, while supporting Wolf Alice’s first album with the label, The Clearing.
She credits SMG U. K.’s CEO Jason Iley and COO Azi Eftekhari for encouraging her to “flourish as a leader,” adding that she wants to help mentor the next generation of executives.
A mission for Saunders, head of programming at London’s 20,000-capacity O2 Arena, is to remain inquisitive and to “open your mind to genres outside of your comfort zone.” As such, the live venue has recently hosted concerts from a swathe of genres from “South Asian and Cantopop, to Afrobeat and K-Pop” and global superstars such as Rosalía, TWICE, Katseye; in August, the venue also hosted a 10-night residency by Ariana Grande, her only European performances on the Eternal Sunshine tour.
2027 brings a “milestone” 20th anniversary celebration for the venue, and the 34-year-old and his team are “programming an extensive roster of high-profile and diverse shows” to celebrate the moment.
Managing director, SoundOn EMEA, TikTok.
SoundOn’s EMEA operation enjoyed a run of frontline success in the past twelve months, with its artists landing seven placings on both the U. K. Official Singles Chart and Germany’s Top 100 Singles charts, as well as five spots across Billboard charts.
Among the projects Sethi, 37, is most proud of is Aitch’s “RMB (Ring My Bell),” which SoundOn signed directly through its A&R team, before supporting the record with promotion and marketing that helped turn it into a global success.
For Sethi, who has spent 15 years in the industry, cultivating the relationships behind those results is paramount: “It comes down to being a good person and someone that artists can genuinely trust,” he says.
Head of international marketing, Universal Music Group U. K.
S. and at the ARIA Awards in Australia as two of her biggest wins; Holly Humberstone, too, has also worked to boost her international presence in Europe and North America.
The key to delivering across markets and with her international colleagues? Don’t panic. “At times it can get incredibly hectic and busy” she says. “But I’ve found if you ask, there is always someone who will offer their expertise and help ease the load.”.
Reinvigorando a lista de artistas da UMPG tem sido a conquista definidora do ano passado de Simmons, trazendo Zach Nahome (Olivia Dean), Shift K3Y (Becky Hill, Tinie Tempah) e a artista solo que se tornou compositora Willow Kayne, que está iniciando um novo caminho de escrita no K‑Pop.
A melhor parte é que todos trabalham juntos e compartilham oportunidades – eles têm essa comunidade brilhante ao redor deles. É refrescante e profundamente inspirador," diz o de 33 anos sobre esses compositores e produtores.
For Simmons, his role is “really quite simple” and ultimately comes down to one thing: being useful. “Whether that’s finding songs, sessions, collaborators or even occasionally restaurants, through providing access, insight and expertise, your value is in how useful you are,” he says.
Catalyst Management founder Singh, 36, expanded his remit over the past year, becoming senior cultural advisor to Robert Lavia, the CEO of UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle (UMHL); the team is now gearing up to launch UMHL’s latest project, an ultra-premium hotel and beach club in Tulum.
On the music side, Catalyst-signed producer Tru Skool produced “Morni” by Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, while Steel Banglez collaborated with Burna Boy on recent track “Birthday.” Elsewhere, Singh is continuing to shape Breaking Borders, his music festival in Malta that champions South Asian creatives and musicians.
Tivnen had a front-row seat to one of British music’s biggest breakouts, working closely with Kobalt-signed Max Wolfgang, a key collaborator of Olivia Dean; Wolfgang has songwriting and production credits throughout her The Art of Loving LP, and on Dean’s contribution to “Rein Me In,” a record-busting collaboration with Sam Fender.
Elsewhere the 35-year-old continued her work with Barry Can’t Swim, whose forthcoming third album – set to be released by Atlantic – she describes as a career-high.
Even as technology rapidly reshapes the business, Tivnen says that nurturing relationships with clients remains at the heart of A&R. “Despite the switch to data, and AI, the music industry is still very much a people business,” she says.
Senior awards manager, The Ivors Academy.
Truong helped to lead operations across delivering the 71st Ivor Novello Awards earlier this year, which featured appearances from Elton John, Harry Styles, Rosalía, Thom Yorke, and more.
Her work at The Ivors Academy has also centered on advocating for composers, from participating in industry dates on AI and supporting new BBC commissioning guidelines for media composers to making the case for Basic Income for the Arts internationally.
Vp operations, U. K. & Europe, Secretly Group.
O motor operacional por trás do negócio do Reino Unido e da Europa do Secretly Group é liderado por van Bergen, 36, que liderou a construção de sistemas internos desenvolvidos para ajudar a empresa de música independente a avançar rapidamente por cadeias de suprimentos cada vez mais complexas.
That infrastructure was put to the test in August, when Phoebe Bridgers’ Lost Weekend debuted at No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart, following an operation spanning half a million physical units manufactured worldwide, U.
K. retail coordination and large-scale fan activations; the LP was Secretly Group’s first chart-topper in the U. K. “Chart weeks like this are lost at the supply chain far more often than at marketing,” van Bergen says.
Um dos princípios orientadores de Vuernick é ser “mais que um e‑mail” e construir “relacionamentos significativos e duradouros que não sejam transacionais.” O cenário atual deve incentivar seus pares a “estarem presentes e descobrir maneiras de agregar valor e não apenas identificar um problema.”.
Make it your business to be the person who can turn a ‘no’ into a ‘yes.’” It’s an approach that has served him well as Atlantic Music Group continues to sign and develop homegrown talent such as Mulaa Joans, Erin LeCount, Barry Can’t Swim, and rising artist Sofia and the Antoinettes, who he describes as “such an important storyteller.” Vuernick concludes: “We feel more confident than ever that the state of the U.
British pop stalwarts Take That have had a blockbuster year, with Ward working across the release of the group’s acclaimed Netflix documentary and a “life-affirming” reboot of their iconic The Circus Live tour, which tallied up 17 nights at U.
K. e estádios irlandeses durante o verão. “Trate todos com quem você trabalha como se fossem parte da mesma equipe. Entusiasmo e energia positiva fazem muito bem,” diz o 39‑ano, cujo ano também incluiu o anúncio de uma turnê europeia de 2027 para Take That, com 35 novas datas.
Among his other priorities is TOMORA, the collaborative project between The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands and AURORA — whose live show, in Ward’s words, is “a heady mix of the electronic energy, warmth and ritual; all to the backdrop of bombastic visuals.”.
Manager (Yungblud), Special Projects.
In the past year, Yungblud has earned two No. 1s on the U. K.’s Official Albums Chart and scooped up his first-ever Grammy for best rock performance (for his cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” at Ozzy Osbourne’s Back to the Beginning farewell concert).
For Wood, a key player of Yungblud’s management team, he’s most proud of a more intimate affair: launching the B. R. A. T. store on Denmark Street in Soho, London.
As the newly-appointed general manager of Young Recordings, Zerabruk works across a roster spanning the likes of The xx, Sampha, Jamie xx and Kamasi Washington, alongside newer talent such as 1000 Rabbits and Murex.
Ao longo do último ano, ela trouxe Erykah Badu e The Alchemist para o selo e liderou a campanha Sexistential de Robyn, que incluiu os primeiros shows de arena da veterana estrela pop sueca ao lado de um slot de apoio ao Harry Styles.
The success of the latter, which has seen Zerabruk support “a pop icon reimagining her sound” in bagging a U. K. top 10 album, has been “testament to what our team can build when we approach each artist’s ambitions on their own terms,” she says.
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