Features
Runway UK Hires, Promotes & Expands
Louise McGovern, formerly a senior agent at Midnight Mango, has joined Runway, the new UK agency launched by Matt Hanner and Steve Backman in 2020.
McGovern brings with her a roster of acts, that includes Alien Chicks, KEG, Jaws The Shark, Dutch Criminal Record, and Jade Helliwell.
McGovern is part of the LIVE Workforce, and Future Forums Council, and was recently recognized at the 2023 Women in Live Music Awards.
With the addition of McGovern’s roster, Runway now represents more than 120 artists, including A Certain Ratio, Algiers, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Blackbelt Eagle Scout, Gabriella Cilmi, Helmet, Jamie Lawson, Liela Moss, Nerina Pallot, Public Image Lrd, Rhoda Dakar, Sonique, Speedy Ortiz, Tanita Tikaram, and The Boo Radleys.
Matt Hanner, Co-Founder, Runway, commented, “We’re incredibly excited to have the opportunity to add Louise to our team. She has a real passion for her artists, works incredibly hard for her roster and is evidently a hugely talented agent. Going forward, we’re looking forward to helping Louise continue to grow into the role, as well as having her contribute to Runway’s broader plans around diversity and inclusion.”
McGovern said, “I’m thrilled to join the family at Runway. They invest a lot into grassroots artists and venues, have a people-first approach, and understand that equality, diversity and inclusion are important concepts. Fundamentally, I see my roster and my future roster fitting in well here. I’ve only just started, but I already feel very supported and excited for my next chapter.”
See: Runway Hires Zac Peters In The UK
In more Runway news, the agency also promoted Amy Grieg to a full-time position. Grieg’s roster includes The Wytches, Babymarocco, Flat Party, King Nun, and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard. Grieg has been working with Runway since 2021, while completing a degree in Arts Management at Goldsmiths University.
And through the hiring of Belfast-based Emer Marcus, Runway expands its footprint into Ireland, and Northern Ireland. A graduate of the Oh Yeah Music Centre’s ‘Scratch My Progress’ artist development program, Marcus has previously worked for organizations including Shine Promotions, and Belsonic, and has experience in artist liaison, merchandising, ticketing, social media production, artist development, promotion and marketing.
Steve Backman, co-Founder, Runway, said, “Since she first got involved with Runway, Amy has been a breath of fresh air for our team. It’s a real honor to give her her first full time role in the industry, and shows how small companies like ours can still create opportunities for young professionals.
“I’m really proud that Runway’s freelance model is able to do this, and, to that end we’re also thrilled to have Emer join our ranks. Emer has already proved her ambition and drive, and is already feeding into our new music scouting with Irish artists. We’re really excited about what she and the rest of the team will achieve in the next year.”