The BPI today announces that Tony Wadsworth CBE has decided to step down as Chairman of the BPI and BRIT Awards Limited by the end of this year.  

Tony Wadsworth CBE, Chairman of the BPI and BRIT Awards Limited, comments:

"After almost seven years in the role, I have decided to make 2014 my final year as Chairman of BPI and BRIT Awards Ltd.  It has been a real privilege to be so involved in industry issues over this period of radical change and transformation and to sit around the Council table with colleagues who have such an amazing wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for our business. It has also been hugely rewarding working with Geoff Taylor and the BPI and BRITs teams - and seeing the difference their hard work makes in so many areas week in, week out.

"In recent years since leaving EMI, in addition to my BPI activities, I have enjoyed getting involved in several new ventures, commercial and non-commercial, but all music related.  By relinquishing my duties at the BPI, I hope to make more time available to focus on these and selectively add to the portfolio.

"In the coming months I will work with Geoff and the Council to develop and implement a succession plan, and expect I shall stand down sometime in the second half of the year.  I intend to continue as a BRIT Trustee and BRIT School governor." 

Tony will continue in the role for the time being and work with the Council on appointing a successor, and an announcement regarding his departure date and succession will be made in due course. 

Geoff Taylor, BPI and BRIT Awards Limited Chief Executive, comments:

"It has been a great privilege and pleasure to work with Tony over the last seven years. His encouragement, support and advice have been fantastic as we have developed a forward-looking agenda for the BPI and sought to help our independent and major members in practical ways.  Tony’s wise counsel and experience have helped us to navigate radical changes in the industry and to steer the business towards a future which feels genuinely brighter and full of possibilities.

"I know his fellow Council members and the whole BPI team feel indebted to Tony for his contribution - both as Chairman and as a member of the Council going back to 1998.  While we are very sad that he will be leaving, we fully understand and respect his decision, and wish him every success and happiness in his future endeavours." 

Comments from BPI Council Members

Mike Batt LVO, BPI Deputy Chairman and Founder Dramatico Entertainment Limited:

"Tony has been a fantastic Chairman for the BPI.  The fact that we were able to retain him as Chairman after he stopped being Chairman of EMI is testament to the high regard in which he is held amongst his colleagues here.  I shall personally miss him not only as a strong Chairman but also for his wisdom and cheery personality.   I wish him the best for all of his ventures and hope that we can call upon his talents and authority in the industry from time to time in the future."

Korda Marshall, Chairman and Founder Infectious Music:

“I've been on the BPI Council nearly fifteen years now – broadly the same time as Tony, and it’s a great shame that he has decided to stand down. He's been an outstanding chairman, a great leader over the years and he has successfully helped the music industry migrate towards the healthy digital landscape we are currently all enjoying. He's a real gentleman and has been an inspiration to all who have worked with him over the years.”

Emma Pike, VP Industry Relations, Communications and Artist Relations Sony Music Entertainment UK: 

"Tony has captained the industry ship magnificently over the last seven years. He leaves it looking optimistically to the future with the prospect of growth on the horizon."

David Joseph, Chairman & CEO Universal Music UK:

“Tony might have been in the music business a long time but he always brings a fresh perspective which has been an invaluable asset during his time at the BPI. He’s brought good sense and a healthy dose of humour to every debate and undoubtedly helped the BPI steer a smooth course through eight years of challenge and transformation. His will be hard shoes to fill!”

Max Lousada, Chief Executive Warner Music UK

“Tony has been a tireless supporter of the BPI’s members and a great advocate for the industry as we’ve experienced – and embraced – rapid change. He’ll be missed as Chairman but leaves with the tremendous gratitude and best wishes of all his friends and colleagues in the industry.”