Photo Credit: UK Music
The trade body representing the commercial music sector has chosen a prominent public figure to steer its future strategic direction. UK Music has formally appointed former senior British diplomat Catriona Laing CB as its new Chair, positioning her to lead the collective voice of the country’s world class music landscape.
Laing officially assumes the position to succeed Lord Watson of Wyre Forest, who is stepping down from the leadership role after serving a maximum two term limit spanning six years. Her appointment concludes a competitive and thorough executive recruitment process led by Eton Bridge Partners, which drew over two hundred applications from qualified individuals across public life, creative sectors, and the music industry itself.
Bringing a distinguished thirty five year career in government to the organisation, Laing previously served as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and Ambassador to Zimbabwe. Her expansive administrative background also includes tenures as Deputy Head of Tony Blair’s Strategy Unit, International Director in the Ministry of Justice, and leader of the United Nations Mission in Somalia. Most recently, the economist by trade managed the Soft Power initiative at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, collaborating with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to boost global appreciation and strategic support for British musical talent.
In her new capacity, Laing is the first female chair in the history of the trade group since its inception in 2008. She will collaborate directly with UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl to campaign on behalf of an economic sector that generates four point eight billion pounds in annual exports and supports two hundred twenty thousand jobs. The leadership transition arrives at a critical juncture as the industry navigates complex regulatory challenges, including the rise of Artificial Intelligence and barriers facing artists touring the European Union.
About the Author
