Robert Ashcroft To Step Down As Chief Executive Of UK Performing Rights Society

PRS For Music – Robert Ashcroft
Will have spent a decade at PRS For Music in London, England, when he steps down as chief executive next year

Robert Ashcroft has announced that he will step down as chief executive of PRS for Music on the tenth anniversary of his appointment, at the end of December 2019.

 

Ashcroft is credited with modernizing the UK performing rights society, building a world-class management team and leading it to significant growth during a time of unprecedented change in the music industry.

“Under Robert’s leadership PRS for Music has been at the forefront of this change, transforming the way in which online services are licensed and launching three industry joint ventures: ICE, Network of Music Partners (NMP) and PPL PRS Ltd, each designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of collective rights management,” the announcement states.

When the European Commission launched its European collective rights managements directive, it used Ashcroft’s insights and arguments to make their case.

 

In the live space, PRS recently introduced a new live music tariff, which provides a mechanism by which festival and concert promoters can reduce their PRS rate, in case a rightholders – publishers, songwriters – decide to license their repertoire directly to the promoter.

 

“Working for PRS has been by far the most compelling and worthwhile thing I have ever done. It has been a privilege to work on behalf of our members and I would like to thank them, our board, and above all my colleagues, for their support over the years,” Ashcroft said.

 

The members and directors of PRS for Music would like to express their deep gratitude for Robert’s endeavours over the years.

 

PRS chairman Nigel Elderton said: “Robert has given the organisation a decade of stability and growth, making it the considerable success it is today. He should be rightly proud of his legacy and the health in which he leaves PRS for Music. On behalf of all our members, staff and industry partners I would like to thank Robert for his service and the positive impact he has had.  We wish him every success in the future.”