Paul Curran steps down as MPA chairman
Paul Curran will step down as chairman of the MPA in order to take up the position of COO at Sony BMG Records as of 1 May 2008. Current deputy chairman Nicholas Riddle will assume the role of chairman, until the AGM of 24 June 2008. Working alongside and for Paul during his chairmanship has been a tremendous pleasure. We will miss his energy and expertise enormously, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.
Paul Curran: “It has been a pleasure and an honour to have been MPA Chairman for the last four years. A big thanks to all who have contributed to the MPA over this period – the Board, the committees, our BMR, MCPS and PRS Board members, to Nicholas Riddle, Deputy Chairman and to Stephen Navin and the MPA staff. I believe I am leaving the MPA in good shape to continue its important role. I shall take with me in to the future many of the lessons that I have learned as a publisher – without creators, whether composer or artist, there are no publishers or record labels; without a licence there is no money; and that without doubt internecine squabbling has not served any sector of the music industry well.”
Nicholas Riddle: “Paul has brought to the role of the Chair not only his very considerable knowledge of our industry and the issues it faces, but also a typically engaged and committed approach to finding practical and mutually beneficial solutions. Rather than see us just give up and complain about issues, he has made sure that we have been pragmatic and energetic about dealing with them, with the result that he leaves us a stronger and more robust association than before he took office. The challenge for us now is to continue with the same enthusiasm and drive to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the musical environment. Our considerable gratitude is due to Paul for steering us so well along this path, and I know the Board’s very best wishes go with him for his new and exciting challenge.”