UK Music, the sort of new trade body that will represent the wider music business, including the recordings, publishing and artist management sectors, has announced the appointment of Jo Dipple to the role of Policy Advisor. Given UK Music sees government lobbying on issues like copyright extension and combating internet piracy as one of its main priorities, Dipple is a strategic appointment, given her former job as Special Comms Advisor for 10 Downing Street. Prior to that Dipple worked as a Daily Mirror journalist.
Confirming the appointment, which precedes UK Music's official launch on 27 Oct, the body's top man Feargal Sharkey told CMU: "Having someone of Jo's calibre onboard is a clear indication of UK Music's aims and ambitions. Her vast experience of both media and government will be a huge asset and invaluable to our strategy of placing music at the centre stage of the creative industries".
Jo herself added: "I am delighted to join Feargal Sharkey, Andy Heath and the team at UK Music. This is a very exciting time for the UK's commercial music industry. The formation of UK Music heralds a strong united voice for the whole of the industry. Together, we can ensure music continues to be not just an essential part of our daily lives, but also one of Britain's leading creative forces".