PPL, the UK’s collective management organization (CMO) for performers and recording rightsholders, has appointed Melanie Johnson as Director of Transformation, a newly created role within the CEO’s Executive Leadership Team.
According to PPL, Johnson will oversee “an ambitious cross-company innovation programme”, which will include using “significant ongoing technology investments and improved data flows” to deliver “faster and more effective” royalty distribution to PPL’s membership body.
Johnson’s career has spanned senior roles at Audoo, Utopia Music, Facebook, and Sony/EMI Music Publishing.
Johnson is also Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Music Minds Matter, a Mental Health charity dedicated to supporting everyone who works in music in the UK.
She has also served as a Board Trustee of the Ivors Academy Trust, which provides professional development and educational programmes for songwriters.
Commenting on Johnson’s appointment, PPL CEO Peter Leathem, OBE said: “I have long been impressed by Melanie’s ability to deliver meaningful results in a collaborative and empathetic way.”
“Her commercial thinking, paired with deep industry knowledge, will be a great asset to the PPL team as we continue to grow our UK licensing, international royalty collections and membership base.”
Courtesy of PPL
“Her commercial thinking, paired with deep industry knowledge, will be a great asset to the PPL team as we continue to grow our UK licensing, international royalty collections and membership base.”
PETER LEATHEM, OBE
Commenting on her new role, Johnson said: “I’m delighted to join PPL at this exciting time in its evolution.
“Neighbouring rights has become an important income source for performers and rightsholders, and PPL has shown itself as a global leader in the market.”
Added Johnson: “I’m looking forward to bringing my experience from across the music world to PPL as it transforms its internal systems and processes to further maximise returns for members.”
“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience from across the music world to PPL as it transforms its internal systems and processes to further maximise returns for members.”
Revenue for the year rose 6% YoY to £301 million (USD $384.4 million at the average exchange rate for 2024) from the previous record of £283.5 million ($352.6 million) set in 2023.
Speaking with MBW in December, CEO Peter Leathem had a positive outlook on PPL’s financial results: “PPL’s position in the music industry has transformed massively. That’s an indicator of things going in a good direction; we’ve become a well-respected, well-liked organization that’s central to the music industry.”Music Business Worldwide
