BPI TAPS BROWN

BPI has named YolanDa Brown its new chair. She takes over from Ged Doherty, who announced in February that he would be leaving after seven years in the job.

Brown, a saxophonist, composer and broadcaster, is chair of Youth Music, on the national Arts Council, a trustee of the PRS Foundation and an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and London Music Fund. She is also known for her CBeebies series, YolanDa’s Band Jam.

“I am delighted that someone of YolanDa’s extraordinary talent and creative energy is joining the BPI as its new chair, and I also welcome the fresh perspective that she will bring to our work at this pivotal and exciting time for British music,” said BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor. “Her breadth of experience drawn from across so many parts of the music community will prove invaluable as we continue to support the success of our label members and their artists globally.”

Brown said, “The last few years have been challenging for our music community—we’ve had to evolve, listen more and show greater empathy, address past issues and collaborate to a much greater extent. There’s still more to do, but there are also so many exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”