The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) has unveiled its new strategy for 2019, as well as a number of senior hires.
As part of BASCA’s ambitious strategy for growth - including a rebrand - in 2019, BASCA chair Crispin Hunt introduced the appointment of Graham Davies as interim CEO for a further year, in addition to MEP Emma McClarkin and media and technology lawyer Julia Montero as new independent directors of the Board.
The announcements were made today at the organisation's AGM at The Ministry in London, where Davies delivered the CEO report and an update on his work over the past six months. He joined BASCA in June 2018 when CEO Vick Bain took extended leave ahead of her departure from the business in December.
Davies previously served a 20-year tenure at PRS For Music as a senior executive running strategy and digital transformation.
“It is a privilege to lead BASCA," he said. "It has a great past and a great future. The craft and rights of music composers and songwriters must be properly supported, celebrated and nurtured as without their talent, the music the world loves wouldn’t exist.
“The industry is changing, and we must raise our voice to bring about fair protection and remuneration for creators’ rights. I am confident that we have the right strategy and a talented team to bring about much needed change.”
Hunt added: “Graham’s deep knowledge of rights, formation of policy and management experience has brought enormous benefit to BASCA in the short time he has worked with us. We are delighted he has agreed to lead the organisation at this critical time.”
As part of changes implemented to develop the governance of BASCA, with a new Board and Committees elected earlier in the year, two new Independent Director posts were created, with MEP Emma McClarkin and media and technology lawyer Julia Montero recently appointed.
McClarkin is Conservative MEP for the East Midlands region and played a key role in supporting the Copyright Directive reform and other music issues. Montero is a lawyer, previously working for PRS, EMI, Vodafone Group, Warner Music and in private practice, most recently for her own firm Creative Counsel Law.
Hunt added: “With their specialist knowledge across rights and regulation, plus enthusiasm for bettering our sector, we are thrilled to have Emma and Julia join the BASCA Board. The mandate BASCA has been given by membership to take our organisation forward is hugely positive for all songwriters and composers and, bolstered by these excellent senior executive hires, we are now focussed on the challenges ahead.
“With new input, new blood and new momentum, BASCA will be the empowered, pragmatic, and informed movement needed to help shape the architecture of our cultural future. We look forward to consulting with all who share our vision of the flourishing, holistic musical ecosystem the future demands.”
