Music Publishers Association appoints Faber Music CEO Richard King as board chair

The Music Publishers Association (MPA) has selected Richard King, the longstanding CEO of Faber Music, to serve as its new board chair, initiating a three-year leadership term. King's appointment, confirmed by the MPA board, marks his return to a prominent governance role within the organization, with his first board meeting scheduled for late October.

King assumes the chairmanship following the tenure of Paulette Long OBE, who will continue contributing as a board director. His extensive background in music publishing spans more than 25 years, during which he has guided Faber Music through significant growth phases. These include strategic acquisitions such as the UK publisher and composer agency Manners McDade, and the print music segment of Edition Peters, which have broadened the company's portfolio across classical, film, TV, popular music, and printed music.

In his new capacity, King intends to cultivate a more cohesive and collaborative environment among MPA members, leveraging his deep operational insights to strengthen the organization's advocacy programs. Central to his agenda is engaging with governmental bodies to establish a comprehensive framework for artificial intelligence in music. King emphasizes the necessity of balancing innovation incentives with the protection of creative rights, ensuring transparency in AI training data, and mandating clear labeling of AI-generated compositions.

Another critical focus for King will be to advocate for the UK government's newly announced £45 million Plan For Music, known as Turn It Up, urging its evolution from a time-bound initiative into a durable, long-term commitment that supports the music publishing sector sustainably. He also plans to enhance internal communication channels within the MPA, encouraging widespread adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices throughout the music publishing community.

King's leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry, which is navigating rapid technological and market changes. His previous service as an MPA director from 2002 until 2019, followed by his return in 2022, alongside his roles in related organizations such as PRS and the PRS Foundation, underscores his longstanding influence and dedication to the sector.

Supporting King in advancing the MPA's objectives is Peter Jackson, who joined as managing director earlier in 2026. Jackson brings 25 years of diverse experience across music and creative industries, including record labels, publishing, management, and production music. His background includes roles at EMI, Sanctuary Records, and leading the UK operation for Non-Stop Music, a US-based music library, before its acquisition by Warner Chappell. Jackson also has a history in the visual effects field, with a tenure at Framestore focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and new ventures.

Reporting to Paul Clements, CEO of the MPA Group, Jackson is responsible for day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives aimed at maximizing the association's relevance and impact both domestically and internationally. His collaboration with King is expected to drive a stronger, more unified representation of music publishers amid evolving industry challenges.

Paul Clements acknowledges the significance of King's appointment and Jackson's dynamic role within the organization, highlighting the fresh perspectives and renewed ambition they bring. The transition from Long's leadership to King's chairmanship represents a continuity of commitment to advancing the interests of music publishers in a changing landscape.

As the MPA embarks on this new chapter, the combined leadership of King and Jackson signals a proactive approach to navigating policy developments, technological advancements, and industry needs. Their efforts are poised to reinforce the MPA's mission to serve its membership effectively while responding to broader shifts in the music business environment.