Roberto Neri has been confirmed as the next Chief Executive Officer of The Ivors Academy. He will start the role on 15 April, taking over from Interim CEO Charlie Phillips.

Roberto has over 20 years’ experience working in senior roles across the music industry. Most recently CEO of the publishing arm of Believe, which represents over 400,000 songwriters and composers globally, Roberto’s previous roles include Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Utopia Music Services, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development at Downtown Music, Founder and CEO at Eagle-i Music and Vice President of International at Bug Music Ltd. Roberto began his career in music as Publisher Relations Manager at PRS for Music while studying for a Business degree.

He has served on a range of music industry Boards; as Chair of the Music Publishers Association and Director on UK Music, PRS for Music, MCPS and PPL/PRS Boards. Roberto is currently a Trustee of Music For My Mind, a charity that enhances the lives of dementia patients and their carers through the power of music.

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy said, "On behalf of the Board and Academy, I am thrilled to welcome Roberto Neri as our new CEO. He brings a huge breadth of industry experience, knowledge and leadership skills. His commitment - and ours to him - is to be the most influential voice for songwriters and composers in the world."

Roberto Neri said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to step into the role of CEO of The Ivors Academy. It is a dream job to fervently advocate for and represent songwriters and composers, who I have been fortunate enough to represent  for over  two decades globally.  I believe now, more than ever, is the  pivotal  moment to ensure music creators’ interests are protected, championed, valued and recognised for their central and indispensable role in the success of the entire music business.”