UK-listed public fund Hipgnosis Songs Fund has appointed Cindy Rampersaud as an independent non-executive director, effective August 1.
Rampersaud, a Chartered Accountant, brings extensive experience in the education, entertainment, media, and charitable sectors.
She has held senior executive positions at organizations such as Virgin, Warner Brothers, EMI, and the Department for Education. Most recently, she led the global BTEC and apprenticeships business at Pearson.
Currently serving as a non-executive director at Sage Housing, Rampersaud is also an advisory board member and chair of audit & risk at the UK Health Security Agency. Her trustee roles include The London Film School and the Consumers’ Association (publishers of Which?).
Upon her appointment, Rampersaud will join several key board committees, including the Audit and Risk Management Committee, Environmental, Social and Governance Committee, Management Engagement Committee, Nomination Committee, Portfolio Committee, and Remuneration Committee.
“Cindy has an impressive background in a variety of complex finance and investment roles as well as extensive experience serving on boards across a range of industries. All of this will enhance the complementary mix of skills and expertise of our existing Directors.”
Andrew Sutch, Hipgnosis Songs Fund
Rampersaud does not hold any ordinary shares in the company. Shareholders may vote on her appointment at the upcoming annual general meeting later this year.
Commenting on the appointment, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Chairman Andrew Sutch, said: “I am delighted that Cindy has agreed to join the Board of Hipgnosis.
“Cindy has an impressive background in a variety of complex finance and investment roles as well as extensive experience serving on boards across a range of industries. All of this will enhance the complementary mix of skills and expertise of our existing Directors.”
Merck Mercuriadis, CEO and founder of Hipgnosis Song Management and founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, added: “We welcome Cindy to the Hipgnosis family. Her wealth of experience in both music and the wider market will be the perfect complement to Andrew, Sylvia, Paul, Simon and Andrew, who have a combined almost 24 years experience on our board. We very much look forward to working with her.”
“We welcome Cindy to the Hipgnosis family. Her wealth of experience in both music and the wider market will be the perfect complement to Andrew, Sylvia, Paul, Simon and Andrew, who have a combined almost 24 years experience on our board. We very much look forward to working with her.”
Merck Mercuriadis, Hipgnosis Songs Fund
Mercuriadis is the former manager of recording artists including Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, Morrissey, Iron Maiden and Beyoncé.
Rampersaud’s appointment follows the resignation of Vania Schlogel, the founder and managing partner of media and entertainment-focused investment firm Atwater Capital, stepped down from Hipgnosis Songs Fund’s board in May.
Nick Jarjour also exited the company as Global Head of Song Management in May.
The company is set to release its fiscal year results for the year ended March 31 on Thursday (July 13).
In the first half of the fiscal year ended September, the company’s gross revenue rose 7.5% year over year to USD $91.7 million, while half-year EBITDA jumped 16.9% YoY to $63.8 million, driven by increased revenue and reduced operating costs.
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