PRS Members’ Council announces new appointments

Royalties, copyright and licensing company Performing Right Society (PRS) has announced the appointment of film and television composer Julian Nott to the role of chair of its Members’ Council and Kassner Music’s Alexander Kassner to the role of deputy chair. Singer-songwriter, Michelle Escoffery, has been re-appointed as council president.

Nott brings with him to the role more than three decades of experience as a composer in the music industry, with accolades including an Ivor Novello Award, an Annie Award and a BAFTA nomination. He will take up his new role on 1 January 2023, succeeding current chair Nigel Elderton, who was originally appointed in 2017 and was re-appointed for an additional three-year term in 2020.

Nott said: ‘The Members’ Council and PRS Team are aligned in our desire to ensure we deliver the best possible society for members. I would like to personally thank Nigel Elderton, his tireless efforts and leadership as our Chair have been instrumental in PRS for Music’s evolution and successes.’

Alexander Kassner will also take up his new role of deputy chair at the start of next year, succeeding composer Dru Masters. Head of legal and business affairs at Kassner Music since 2009, Kassner has been a PRS publisher director since 2020.

Kassner said: ‘I look forward to starting my new role as Deputy Chair and supporting Julian and Michelle in collectively promoting positive change and innovation. My sincere thanks to Dru Masters who throughout his tenure as deputy chair has provided his leadership and industry expertise to support the Council’s important activities.’

Michelle Escoffery, who has been re-appointed as president of the PRS Members’ Council, a position she has held since 2021, said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue as the PRS President and I look forward to accelerating the championing of music creators of all statures, genres and backgrounds.’

PRS for Music represents the rights of songwriters, composers, and music around the world, working to ensure creators are paid fairly whenever their work is streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed and played in public. Made up of 49 members from across the industry, the goal of the PRS Members’ Council is to set budgets, strategy and reviews as well as to make sure the company’s decision-making process reflects the priorities of its members.

PRS for Music CEO Andrea Czapary Martin, who also sits on the Members’ Council, added: ‘As PRS evolves and grows, the Members’ Council will have an essential role in setting our future direction and ensuring we remain a world leading society.’