UK Music CEO Jamie Njoku-Goodwin has announced that he will be stepping down from his role in order to work for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The former special advisor will take up the post as Strategy Director after Mr. Sunak has moved to make a mini-reshuffle of his cabinet.
UK Music Chief Executive @jnjokugoodwin departs after three years at helm to join Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as Director of Strategy.
Read here: https://t.co/JfsM4dRZBd pic.twitter.com/Bqg7Nx710N
— UK Music (@UK_Music) August 31, 2023
Njoku-Goodwin was named CEO of UK Music, a trade body that represents the collective interests of the UK music industry, back in 2020 and was perhaps most notable for steering the industry through the Covid-19 pandemic-helping to secure the safe return of live performances throughout the country. He was also instrumental in creating the National Plan for Music Education and leading the arguments on copyright protection for artists in light of the continuing emergence of Artificial Intelligence.
Speaking of his role as CEO, Njoku-Goodwin said, “the UK music industry is one of this country’s great national assets and it’s been a privilege to represent it for the past three years. Leading UK Music through what was the toughest of times for our sector during the pandemic, when the music industry faced an existential struggle, has been an immense honour.”
A very welcome recommendation from @cj_dinenage & @CommonsCMS. It’s vital that we ensure AI enables human artistry and creativity, not erode it. So strong copyright & IP protections must at the heart of any approach to seize the opportunities of AI. https://t.co/W2Nolh8NtY — Jamie Njoku-Goodwin (@jnjokugoodwin) August 30, 2023
Njoku-Goodwin expressed his belief that the music industry is now in a much better place than it was when he first came into the role, confident that he has now provided a road map on how the industry can continue to thrive in a post-Brexit UK and with modern challenges that continue to impact musicians and stakeholders.
“I think the pandemic probably had a big impact in terms of making people realise how much they missed it.”
UK Music Chief Executive @jnjokugoodwin in the @guardian discussing the demand for big-name tickets.
Read: https://t.co/sYqrr7VuOA pic.twitter.com/jaKq6mIWZZ
— UK Music (@UK_Music) August 19, 2023
Njoku-Goodwin previously welcomed the European Union Brexit Trade Deal that provided points on travel-a key concern for British based touring artists, while also expressing some concerns that continued bureaucracy and delays would put tours at risk, adding further uncertainty for musicians performing on the continent. The ex-CEO said at the time of the deal, “the Prime Minister has promised there will be no non-tariff barriers, so it is vital that Government delivers on this promise and ensures there are no barriers to British musicians working and touring through Europe. We will be seeking urgent reassurances on this from Government.”
Njoku-Goodwin’s role in the National Plan for Music Education will see the government commit to enabling children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and have the opportunity to further their interests in the music industry, including professionally. The plan also sets out how music education would look in schools, allowing students the chance to take music qualifications during their secondary education, such as GCSEs and A Levels.
V welcome to see @Keir_Starmer talk about the importance of music education and creativity – not only for supporting the talent pipeline, but for developing the skills we all need in the modern workplace. Every young person should have access to a high quality music education https://t.co/P4dod1xjmD — Jamie Njoku-Goodwin (@jnjokugoodwin) July 12, 2023
Njoku-Goodwin was thanked by various members of UK Music, following the news of his stepping down. UK Music deputy chief executive Tom Kiehl has been named CEO in the interim.
