The pan-European organisation for the independent music community, IMPALA, has announced that its Outstanding Contribution Award has this year been presented to Keith Harris, recognising his impressive career in music and continued advocacy for change in the industry.
"I am delighted and very flattered to be acknowledged with this award", says Harris. "But the push for equality is obviously about much more than awards for individuals, and what delights me even more is to see the efforts that are being made throughout the industry to bring about fairness and equality right across the board".
Harris began his career at indie label Transatlantic Records in the mid-1970s, before moving to EMI, where he became General Manager. After that he worked for Motown, before relocating to LA in the late 70s to become Operations Manager of Stevie Wonder's companies.
He returned to the UK in 1982 to launch his own artist management company, representing artists including Omar and Lynden David Hall, as well as continuing to work with Wonder.
Along the way, Harris has also held roles at MMF, PPL, MusicTank and UK Music, as well as working as a consultant for a range of music organisations, including IMPALA. His work over the last decade has been particularly focussed on improving diversity in the music industry.
Commenting on the Outstanding Contribution Award, IMPALA Chair Helen Smith says: "This award honours Keith's career, both as an incredibly successful music executive and as an advocate for equity. His work as advisor to IMPALA's inclusion and diversity task force has proved invaluable. Keith's advice will help the European independent music sector move towards a more balanced future".