EMMA BOWNES
PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR, THE O2 & SSE ARENA WEMBLEY
How do you feel about joining the Music Week Women In Music Roll Of Honour?
“It’s a genuine surprise and I’m really honoured.”
How did you get into the music business?
“After finishing university, I became the ents manager at Hull University Students’ Union for three years, which I absolutely loved. It involved doing a bit of everything – booking the bands, designing the posters, buying the riders, washing the towels, being at the venue from load in to load out.”
What do you consider to be the biggest achievement of your career?
“I’d say putting together the line-up to celebrate The O2’s 10th birthday last year – Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Celine Dion, Alt-J and Jamiroquai!”
The gender pay gap figures for the music biz made for sobering reading. How far away is parity of opportunity and remuneration for women in the UK music industry?
“I think that it will probably take a couple more generations before we see anything like parity both in terms of salary and the number of women in senior positions in the music industry. I think more can be done across the industry in terms of offering parents flexible working hours and support from employers – both of which can help make sure that women don’t leave their career after having children.”
It will take a couple more generations before we see parity in salary and the number of women in senior positions
Emma Bownes
The issue of sexual harassment in the entertainment industries continues to dominate the news agenda. Is the music business doing enough to tackle the problem?
“Victims of sexual harassment in the music industry are expected to shrug or laugh off inappropriate behavior or comments. I don’t think much, if anything, is being done to tackle the problem.”
What advice would you offer young female executives about enjoying a successful career in the music business?
“Work hard and go to as many shows as possible.”
