Burgess Named New Chair Of PPL
• PPL, the UK music industry’s collective management organization for performers and recording rightsholders has appointed Dr. Richard James Burgess, MBE as its new Chair, effective Jan. 5, 2026. He will succeed John Smith OBE, who steps down from the role after nearly a decade of guiding PPL’s strategic direction.
Burgess, who has worked extensively across the UK and international music industries, will lead the PPL Board as the organization continues to grow as a global leader in neighboring rights royalty collections, representing over 150,000 performer and recording rightsholder members.
Since 2016, Burgess has served as President & CEO of A2IM (American Association of Independent Music), while also holding board positions with SoundExchange, WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), Copyright Alliance, and musicFIRST, among others.
Prior to joining A2IM, Burgess headed up business operations at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, ran his own independent label, booking agency and management company; owned and operated multiple recording studios; and managed many well-known producers, engineers and artists. He also produced Spandau Ballet‘s first two albums, Journeys to Glory and Diamond.
“I am thrilled to be joining PPL and honoured to follow in John Smith’s footsteps,” said Burgess. “Together with the Board and leadership team, I look forward to guiding the next chapter of its growth and ensuring its continued strength and relevance in today’s rapidly evolving global music ecosystem. PPL’s mission to make sure that performers and recording rightsholders are fairly rewarded has long resonated with my own career trajectory, and I look forward to bringing my passion for championing artist-centric governance, transparency and diversity to such a wonderful organization.” [Photo Credit: Dan Bassini]
