The Official Charts Company this week announces the appointment of Chris Austin to the new position of Operations Director, effective immediately.

Austin steps up to the role after 6 years as head of operations at the company, where he has helped lead its development as a supplier of gold standard charts & data for the entertainment industry.

Austin joined the Official Charts Company as senior operations executive in Spring 2011, becoming head of operations in 2014. Austin leads the Official Charts operations team serving the music and video industries in both the UK and Ireland, managing the organisation’s relationship with research contractor Kantar, chairing the UK’s chart supervisory committee, overseeing development of UK chart rules, liaising with b2b and media clients, as well as advising on qualification criteria for the BPI’s Brit Awards and Mercury Prize.

Official Charts Company Chief Executive Martin Talbot says, “I am delighted to announce this greatly deserved recognition for Chris. Since joining us almost 10 years ago, Chris has become a key player for the Official Charts Company – he is a natural team player, a highly skilled executive and instinctive leader. He has already played a huge part in cementing the business’s international reputation as a supplier of gold standard charts & data – and will help lead our efforts to develop the business further and remain the best in the data business.”

Before joining the Official Charts Company, Austin spent 9 years at PPL, rising to Business Support Manager.