UK record industry trade group the BPI has appointed Sophie Jones as its new Director Of Public Affairs. She joins from Channel 4 and replaces Ian Moss, who left the lobbying and campaigning role at the end of last year.
"Sophie has an outstanding track record in public affairs, and I am delighted she is joining our team at BPI", says the organisation's CEO Geoff Taylor. "She joins us at a vitally important time for our industry, which must work closely with government to mitigate the impact of the COVID emergency on the live and physical recorded music sectors and help our business bounce back once the restrictions ease".
"We must then focus on the priorities that can help to sustain the long-term growth of British music", he goes on. "These include free trade agreements with the EU and US that protect and promote our creative sector, measures to encourage greater investment into UK talent, and a new strategic partnership to boost the profile of our music and artists overseas".
Jones adds: "I am hugely excited to join Geoff Taylor and the team at the BPI - to support the organisation and its members, champion the UK's phenomenal music industry and help shape its policy agenda into the future as the UK charts a new course for itself. As a lifelong music lover, it's an honour for me to come into the sector, with British music riding high and contributing in such a valuable way to our communities, culture and wellbeing, particularly during these challenging times".