Robert Ashcroft will step down as Chief Executive of British collection society PRS for Music on the tenth anniversary of his appointment, at the end of December 2019.
PRS for Music has launched three industry joint ventures under Ashcroft’s leadership: ICE, Network of Music Partners (NMP) and PPL PRS Ltd.
Ashcroft has also played a major role in the adaptation of European copyright law to the internet era.
His 2010 ‘hubs strategy paper’ was central to the 2014 European Collective Rights Management Directive, while it was his argument about the ‘transfer of value’ that convinced the European Commission that user-upload platforms and other social media should be made liable for copyright.
“Working for PRS has been by far the most compelling and worthwhile thing I have ever done.”
Robert Ashcroft
Robert Ashcroft, Chief Executive, PRS for Music, said: “Working for PRS has been by far the most compelling and worthwhile thing I have ever done.
“It has been a privilege to work on behalf of our members and I would like to thank them, our board, and above all my colleagues, for their support over the years.”
“Robert has given the organisation a decade of stability and growth, making it the considerable success it is today.”
Nigel Elderton, PRS Chairman
Nigel Elderton, PRS Chairman, added: “Robert has given the organisation a decade of stability and growth, making it the considerable success it is today.
“He should be rightly proud of his legacy and the health in which he leaves PRS for Music.
“On behalf of all our members, staff and industry partners I would like to thank Robert for his service and the positive impact he has had. We wish him every success in the future.”Music Business Worldwide
