UK collection societies PPL and PRS for Music are due to launch their joint venture for public performance licensing in the second half of this year – and have just appointed the first ever Managing Director of the operation.
Suzanne Smith joins PPL PRS Ltd as MD from global firm Experian, where she was Managing Director for the company’s UK and Ireland Customer Experience operations.
With more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, Smith has also held senior customer and operations leadership roles at Capital One and NatWest Bank.
The PRS and PPL JV will be based at Mercury Place in Leicester and will provide a single point of contact for companies and organisations looking to acquire a licence to play recorded music in public.
The joint licence will be called TheMusicLicence and will bring to an end the need for customers to purchase separate PPL and PRS for Music licences from each individual organisation.
Commenting on Smith’s appointment, PPL CEO, Peter Leathem, said: “We are delighted to have been able to appoint someone of the calibre and experience of Suzanne as the Managing Director of our new joint venture company, PPL PRS.
“Her experience in improving performance whilst increasing productivity and profitability sets her in good stead for taking the reins at our new venture, ensuring our members are fairly paid for the use of their music by business across the UK.”
“We are delighted to have been able to appoint someone of the calibre and experience of Suzanne as the Managing Director of our new joint venture company, PPL PRS.”
Peter LEathem, PPL
Paul Clements, Commercial Director, PRS for Music, added, “As we prepare for the launch of our joint venture later in the year, we are pleased to have the benefit of Suzanne’s experience of creating excellent customer service environments.
“PPL PRS will make the licensing process easier than ever before for hundreds of thousands of customers whose businesses benefit from our members’ music. Suzanne’s role will be pivotal in helping them make the most of TheMusicLicence.”
Suzanne Smith said: “I am excited to be joining PPL and PRS for Music’s new venture from day one. We will be building a business committed to delivering the best music licensing experience in the world. Through TheMusicLicence, PPL PRS will ensure that the creators of the music that brings so much value to those UK businesses that play music are fairly rewarded.”
Whilst Leicester will be the new home of public performance operations for the two companies, the member-facing activities of both PPL and PRS for Music will remain in London – alongside broadcast and online licensing, international collections, member services, distribution services, and other strategic support services.Music Business Worldwide
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