The UK’s Music Publishers Association (MPA) has named Downtown’s Roberto Neri as the new Chair of the MPA following election by the MPA Board.
Neri (pictured) is Executive Vice President UK Downtown Music Publishing and Head of European Business Development for its parent company, Downtown Music Holdings.
He will replace Jackie Alway, Executive VP International Legal & Industry Affairs at Universal Music Publishing Group, who has been Chair of the MPA for the past four years.
Neri will take up the position following the MPA AGM onJuly 3, 2019.
Neri has served as a Director on the MPA Board since 2015 and has overseen Downtown’s activity in the UK and other European territories since he joined in 2015 through Downtown’s acquisition of Eagle-i Music.
The widely respected executive is also an elected Board Director at PRS for Music and PPL PRS Ltd.
The MPA AGM will take place on Wednesday July 3 at Kings Place in London – with a focus on music in education.
“It is an absolute honour to serve as the next Chair of the Music Publishers Association, whose work and advocacy on behalf of UK music publishers has never been more important.”
Roberto Neri
Paul Clements, MPA Group CEO, said: “Jackie’s recognition in the Queen’s honours was a superbly timed and fitting recognition of the incredible contribution that she has made to the MPA, as Chair, over the last four years.
“On behalf of our Publisher members and the songwriters that they represent, Jackie has supported campaigns wholeheartedly and has conducted all her business with a calm and assured determination.
“I am delighted that Jackie will continue to serve on the MPA Board and thank her for her enormously positive contribution to our business.
“I am very much looking forward to closely working with Roberto, our new Chairman. Roberto’s vision, hardworking and entrepreneurial style has delivered significant growth and recognition in all the roles that he has had in his publishing career to date.”
Paul Clements, MPA
Added Clements: “I am very much looking forward to closely working with Roberto, our new Chairman. Roberto’s vision, hardworking and entrepreneurial style has delivered significant growth and recognition in all the roles that he has had in his publishing career to date.
“His recent promotion to EVP, UK & Head of European Business Development at Downtown Music Publishing, alongside his Billboard 2019 International Power Player recognition are testament to a Publisher who has songwriters’ and producers’ best interests at heart.
“I have no doubt that we will work tirelessly together to continue to build upon the great achievements of the MPA to date”
“I am proud of what the MPA has achieved during the last four years and delighted that I can hand over to such a dynamic successor as Roberto Neri.”
Jackie Alway
Roberto Neri said: “It is an absolute honour to serve as the next Chair of the Music Publishers Association, whose work and advocacy on behalf of UK music publishers has never been more important.
“Jackie Alway is a tough act to follow, but I’m grateful for the exemplary leadership she has demonstrated.
“I look forward to continuing the momentum and working with Paul, the team at the MPA, colleagues on the board, and publisher members of the MPA. As a board member of UK Music I am also pleased to work alongside the other trade bodies and stakeholders promoting the interests of the whole UK music industry.”
Jackie Alway added: “I have been privileged to serve as Chair of our fine trade association. I am proud of what the MPA has achieved during the last four years and delighted that I can hand over to such a dynamic successor as Roberto Neri.
“Roberto comes with lots of ideas and commitment to our industry. I know that he and Paul Clements will make a formidable team to continue to grow the MPA.
“I wish Roberto every success and hope he enjoys the experience of being Chair as much as I have”Music Business Worldwide
