LONDON (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has announced that Tony Wadsworth CBE will step down as Chairman of the BPI and BRIT Awards Limited by the end of this year.
"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," Wadsworth said in a press statement.
A label veteran, Wadsworth's 26-year career includes stints as senior executive at numerous labels, including Managing Director at the relaunched Parlophone with hits from artists such as Blur, Radiohead, Crowded House, Pet Shop Boys, Tina Turner and Queen. He also oversaw EMI and Virgin Records.
Prior to joining EMI, Wadsworth earned a degree in Economics from Newcastle and spent the following 3 years playing in a band with his college friends.
"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," Wadsworth added. – Staff Writers
