Warner Chappell Music's Guy Moot presented with MITS Award by Mark Ronson

Guy Moot, chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, was honored with the Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) at a ceremony held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. This recognition marks a historic moment as Moot became the first music publisher to receive the award, celebrating his more than three decades of influence within the music industry.

The event was hosted in support of The BRIT Trust and Nordoff And Robbins, charities that emphasize music's power to heal and connect communities. Mark Ronson, who presented the award to Moot, highlighted Moot's role in introducing Ronson to Amy Winehouse, a connection that eventually led to the creation of the critically acclaimed album Back To Black.

Moot’s career trajectory began in retail record shops before transitioning into A&R roles at ATV Music and Chrysalis Records in the mid-1980s. He joined SBK Music Publishing in 1987, which later merged with EMI Music Publishing, where he steadily ascended to EVP of A&R for the UK and Europe by 2003 and then UK managing director and president of European creative in 2005.

During his tenure at EMI, the company was named Music Week Publisher of the Year for 14 consecutive years. Moot was instrumental in signing and nurturing artists such as Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, and Mark Ronson himself. He also played a pivotal role in the 2012 Sony-EMI merger in Europe and later managed worldwide creative operations post-Sony's acquisition of EMI.

Since taking the helm at Warner Chappell Music in 2019 as co-chair and CEO, Moot has overseen significant growth, doubling the company's size and signing a diverse roster that includes both veterans and emerging stars like Cardi B, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, and Zach Bryan. The company also manages the catalogs of legendary artists like David Bowie, George Michael, Madonna, and Quincy Jones.

The MITS ceremony featured tribute videos with messages from industry peers, artists, and family members, including appearances by Arsène Wenger and Ian Wright. The event also offered live performances by Florence Road, Amy Allen & John Ryan, and Tinie Tempah, who closed the night with a hits medley.

A notable moment from the evening was the auction of a guitar signed by major country stars, which fetched £10,000 after Jimmy Page added his autograph during the event. The guest list included notable figures such as Jimmy Page, Sonique, Louise Redknapp, Celeste, CKTRL, and Liam Fray of Courteeners.

Guy Moot’s acceptance speech emphasized that the award belongs not just to him but also to the songwriters he collaborates with, his colleagues, and his family. He underscored the importance of supporting the next generation of music creators, highlighting the mission of Nordoff And Robbins and The BRIT School.

Moot joins an esteemed group of previous MITS winners, including Annie Lennox, Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, and Bernie Taupin. The 34th edition of the award continues to be sponsored by Legends Global, PPL, SJM Concerts, and YouTube.

Moot’s recognition as the first music publisher to receive the MITS Award reflects the increasing acknowledgment of the vital role publishing executives play in shaping the music landscape. His career, spanning record shops to leading one of the industry's largest publishers, exemplifies the evolving nature of music business leadership.

His stewardship at Warner Chappell Music during a period of significant expansion and market outperformance illustrates how strategic creative signings and catalog management can drive company growth. This is especially critical as the music industry continues to adapt to streaming dynamics and new revenue models.

The presence of top artists and industry figures at the ceremony signals strong support for music community initiatives and the recognition of behind-the-scenes contributions. Moot's career also highlights the interconnectedness of A&R, creative development, and executive leadership in fostering musical innovation.

With the continued backing of significant music charities and industry stakeholders, the MITS Award remains a prestigious accolade that honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions. Moot’s career and leadership set a precedent for future publishing executives aiming to shape both creative and commercial facets of the global music scene.