The Cat's Mother awards Olivia Hobbs as Mother Of The Year at annual gathering

In a celebration held on November 4, 2026, Olivia Hobbs was recognized with the prestigious Cat’s Mother Of The Year Award, acknowledging her significant contributions to supporting women in the music industry. The ceremony, hosted at St. Clement in London, brought together a distinguished group of senior female professionals from across the sector to honour their collective achievements over the year.

The Cat’s Mother, a nonprofit organisation established in 2019 by industry veteran Natalie Wade MBE, focuses on mentorship and networking to foster female talent within music. Hobbs, who leads Blackstar—an independent firm specialising in artist strategy and music marketing—was singled out for her enduring efforts to nurture emerging talent and create meaningful industry connections for women.

Presenting the award was broadcaster Claudia Winkleman, underscoring the event’s high profile and its role in spotlighting influential figures who actively contribute to industry diversity and inclusivity. Hobbs joins an illustrious group of former honorees, including Emma Banks, Sonia Diwan, and Abi Leland, each recognized for their advocacy and leadership.

Hobbs’s acknowledgment by The Cat’s Mother network reflects her long-term commitment to breaking down barriers that often inhibit women from pursuing music careers. Her approach hinges on the belief that opportunity should not be dictated by personal connections or financial means but should be accessible through shared knowledge and mentorship.

The organisation’s work throughout 2026 has been marked by several milestones. Notably, The Cat’s Mother hosted its inaugural fundraising dinner in March to coincide with International Women’s Day, underscoring both its community engagement and financial sustainability efforts. Additionally, a collaboration with Universal Music Group UK’s Women’s Network, branded Universal Locked, highlighted crucial yet under-recognized roles within the industry, promoting a broader understanding of career possibilities beyond the spotlight.

Expanding its geographic reach, The Cat’s Mother also launched the Not Just London series, holding events in cities such as Nottingham, Manchester, and Leeds. This initiative aims to decentralize opportunity and support for female professionals beyond the capital, addressing regional disparities in access to industry resources.

Further cementing its influence, The Cat’s Mother was named the Official Charity Partner of the 2026 Music Week Awards. This partnership not only elevates the organisation’s profile but also encourages the wider industry to invest in and champion female talent development.

The network’s mentoring ethos was also highlighted at the recent Music Week Women In Music Awards, where CAA’s Summer Marshall referenced its impact while accepting the Live Music Inspiration award. This mention catalyzed a surge of new mentor registrations, reflecting the community’s growing commitment to supporting emerging women in music.

Sara Lord and Charlotte-Anne Myler, co-chairs of The Cat’s Mother, expressed enthusiasm over the year’s progress and the recognition of extraordinary women like Hobbs. They emphasized the network’s sustained achievements, including ongoing partnerships and measurable success in assisting young women to establish careers in the industry.

This recognition of Olivia Hobbs and the continued expansion of The Cat’s Mother network signal a meaningful shift toward greater inclusivity and practical support structures within the music business. By fostering mentorship and broadening access, the initiative demonstrates how industry leaders can actively contribute to shaping a more equitable future for aspiring female professionals.