UMPG's Jackie Alway replaces Chris Butler as Chair of the Board of ICMP

By Emmanuel Legrand

The board of ICMP, the International Confederation of Music Publishers, has elected London-based Jackie Alway, Executive VP of International Legal & Industry Affairs at Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), as the first woman to hold the role of Chair of the global organisation representing the international interests of the music publishing community. 

  “I am truly honoured to have been elected as the first woman Chair in ICMP’s history and thank my fellow Board members for this privilege," said Alway, who is also Chair of mechanical rights organisation MCPS, and serves on the boards of PMLL, PRS for Music, MPA Ireland and MCPS Ireland. 

  The appointment will be effective June 3, 2021, following ICMP’s 2021 General Assembly the previous day. Alway replaces Wise Music's Group Director Global Rights Development Chris Butler, who was first elected in 2017 as Chair. Butler will continue as an elected ICMP Board Director. 

Defending the rights of music publishers

  Other members of the board include: 

  Vice Chairs: Jo Smith (International Director, Warner Chappell Music) and Niclass Bjӧrlund (Director of ICMP’s Swedish national trade association Musikförläggarna); 

  Secretary: Ralph Peer II (Executive Chair, peermusic); 

  Treasurer: Kathleen Marsh (CEO, Music Notes and Director of The Music Publishers Association of the USA). 

  The ICMP Board maintains its 50/50 composition of Major and Independent music company Execs and includes Directors from 12 national trade associations across 4 continents. 

  ICMP Director General John Phelan said: “As future Chair, Jackie will bring the characteristic superb energy and expertise we see day in, day out. We’re excited about working together in this new role to deliver ICMP’s daily mission – growing the value of music and defending the rights of music publishers and creator partners worldwide.”