Cross sector trade group UK Music has announced that Tom Kiehl has been appointed as Chief Executive, following nine months as interim CEO. His confirmation as CEO is the last in a batch of recent CEO appointments across a number of the UK’s key strategic organisations in music, including BPI, AIM, and The Ivors Academy. During his tenure as interim CEO, the organisation says that it considered applications for the top job from over 130 people.
“We are entering a critical new era of change for the music industry when the political landscape is also rapidly changing”, says UK Music Chair Tom Watson. “At this important time, I'm confident Tom is the right person for the job”.
Kiehl succeeds Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, who left UK Music in August 2023 to become Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Director Of Strategy, something he may now regret given his boss looks almost certain to be handing back the keys to 10 Downing Street at the end of next week. Kiehl officially takes over as the trade group’s CEO as Sunak plummets out of government (and possibly politics altogether), with Labour leader Keir Starmer expected to take his place following next month’s General Election.
As well as leading UK Music at a time of great political upheaval, Kiehl also takes on his new role at a time of significant developments and debate in the music industry.
“It’s an immense privilege and great responsibility to take on the role of leading UK Music at such a pivotal moment”, he says. “I am looking forward to working with our fantastic members to press their case with the new government for the changes we want to see – ranging from strong copyright protections and more music teachers, to key safeguards around AI and greater support for music freelancers”.
“I want young people across the UK to see our industry as the most inclusive and exciting place to work, and one which will reward their talents”, he goes on. “We need to turn this moment of considerable political change into a moment to achieve change for UK Music”.
Kiehl joined UK Music in 2012 as Director Of Public Affairs. He was promoted to Deputy CEO in 2018 and previously spent nine months as interim CEO between Michael Dugher stepping down as CEO at the end of 2019 and Njoku-Goodwin being appointed in September 2020. Prior to that, he spent eleven years as a senior advisor and researcher in the Liberal Democrat Whips’ Office.
