Robert Neri, the Executive VP of Downtown Music Publishing, has been named chair of UK trade organization the Music Publishers Association.
Neri, who has been a director on the MPA board since 2015, will replace Universal Music Group executive Jackie Alway, who served as chair for four years and will continue to work with the MPA board.
MPA Group CEO, Paul Clements, said in a statement: “I am very much looking forward to closely working with Roberto, our new Chairman. Roberto’s vision, hardworking and entrepreneurial style has delivered significant growth and recognition in all the roles that he has had in his publishing career to date.”
Added Neri: “It is an absolute honour to serve as the next Chair of the Music Publishers Association, whose work and advocacy on behalf of UK music publishers has never been more important. Jackie Alway is a tough act to follow, but I’m grateful for the exemplary leadership she has demonstrated. I look forward to continuing the momentum and working with Paul, the team at the MPA, colleagues on the board, and publisher members of the MPA. As a board member of UK Music I am also pleased to work alongside the other trade bodies and stakeholders promoting the interests of the whole UK music industry.”
The MPA currently acts on behalf of over 200 music publishers in the U.K., from majors to independents. The organization also owns and operates two commercial businesses, the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society and Printed Music Licensing Ltd.