PRS For Music Names Ben McOwen Wilson as Incoming CEO
Categoria: Musica
Current CEO Andrea Czapary Martin announced her departure from the role in March.
Por Billboard | 23/07/2026
PRS For Music has named Ben McOwen Wilson as the nonprofit collection society’s new CEO on Friday (July 24). McOwen Wilson replaces Andrea Czapary Martin , who announced her departure from the role in March after seven years. McOwen Wilson will assume the title on Oct. 12. Related Blur Drummer Dave Rowntree’s Proposed Class Action Against PRS For Music Struck Down by Appeals Judge PRS for Music Announces Royalty Collection Totaled $1.67 Billion in 2025 Musicians Respond to Calls For PRS to Reduce License Fees, Say Move Would Make Songwriter Careers ‘Less Viable’ McOwen Wilson has previously held a number of key roles across technology, gaming and culture, most recently acting as the managing director EMEA for Google Play & Google Television from September 2022 onwards. Prior to this, McOwen Wilson operated in a number of key partnership roles for YouTube for over a decade. He has also worked extensively with the U.K. government and industry through the U.K. Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Federation, with a focus on issues such as intellectual property, innovation and growth. McOwen Wilson was selected by the PRS Members’ Council following an “extensive international search.” A press statement from the society highlights the areas of focus for McOwen Wilson in the new role, saying that “as AI, gaming, digital platforms and new forms of music consumption reshape the industry, he has spent the past 20 years building partnerships across complex digital ecosystems while working with rights holders, broadcasters, creators and policymakers.” In its 2025 financial results , royalty collections for PRS’ 190,000 members — composed of songwriters, composers and publishers — increased by 7.7% year-on-year to £1.24 billion ($1.6 billion). Earlier this month a case brought by Blur’s Dave Rowntree against PRS was thrown out of London’s Court of Appeal. Rowntree had sought to bring a class action suit against the society in relation to the distribution of its so-called ‘black box’ royalties; these royalties are distributed on a pro rata distribution to its writer and publisher based on the same proportions as identified royalties. The Court of Appeal ruled that “there is nothing inherently unfair about the pro rata distribution” of unallocated royalties, recognizing that the system operates with incomplete information. Speaking on the appointment Julian Nott , chair of the PRS Members’ Council said, “Songwriters, composers and publishers need a society working tirelessly to champion them and their rights. A society which embraces innovation and has the confidence to shape the future, not simply respond to it.” He continued, “Ben is an outstanding leader with all the skills necessary to guide PRS for Music through the many changes in the music industry and the wider media market. Ben impressed us from the very beginning. He understands the technologies that are transforming