Diversity, Equality & Inclusion - Music Publishers Association

MPA AccessAbility (Disability)

MPA Respect (Race, Ethnicity & Culture)

MPA BeYOU (LGBTQIA+)

MPA M³ (Menopause, Menstruation, Miscarriage)

MPA BeWELL (Mental Health & Wellbeing)

MPA Generation MIX (Generational Diversity)

MPA Faith & Belief

MPA SEM (Social Economic Mobility)

MPA Family

MPA Gender+

Paul Clements

CEO, MPA & DEI Sponsor

“I am delighted we have launched the MPA’s 10 Employee Networks. I would very much encourage employees across our music publishing industry sector who relate to these protected characteristic groups to invest some of their time with us.

Please come and share your experiences and stories with us, share in thinking and requirements for us to focus upon and contribute to affecting a truly diverse and inclusive industry.

You are entitled to equal opportunities, so let’s work together to help ensure that those are positively focused upon, delivered and maintained.

We are excited to welcome and support all and determined to leave nobody behind.”

Jackie Alway

EVP, International Legal & Industry Affairs, Universal Music Publishing Group & MPA AccessAbility Champion

“My name is Jackie Alway OBE. I’m the EVP, International Legal & Industry Affairs for UMPG. After qualifying as a lawyer, I’ve worked in Music Publishing for almost my whole career. It’s an industry I love. In my view, I have the best job in the world, championing copyright and the role of music publishers both as Chair of ICMP (the global trade body for music publishers) and for UMPG, defending the rights of songwriters globally. As a former MPA Chair and current Chair of the innovative and successful MCPS, I’m a firm believer in our industry’s appetite for constant evolution and improvement. I know we can apply the same dynamism to this initiative.

My journey towards full consciousness of accessibility issues began when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2017. Since then, as my symptoms have very gradually progressed and I’ve adapted to cope, I’ve paid attention to the similar or (usually) more severe challenges faced by friends and colleagues in the industry manifesting physical or neurological differences of any kind. My conclusions are that music publishing is an industry of instinctively kind and supportive individuals, but for reasons that need exploring, there seem to be some barriers to entry for individuals with accessibility requirements. In my role as the MPA Champion for AccessAbility I would like to work with the MPA’s membership to understand the hiring policies and employee resources already developed and provided by companies (in some cases these are already extensive). I want to learn from the lived experience of the members of our Employee Network, then help publicise achievable recommendations for best practices. The aim is to provide a focal point for music publishers who want to meet together, listen, learn, support and raise the bar for the industry in helping colleagues and aspiring colleagues with accessibility requirements. I hope we can also make time to do what our industry does best – throw a few really good parties along the way.”

Gary Bhupsingh

Vice President of UK Administration, Sony Music Publishing & MPA Respect Champion

“My name is Gary Bhupsingh, I am Vice President of UK Administration at Sony Music Publishing. After 10 years working in various roles at PRS, I joined SMP in 1997. I have always been hugely passionate about music and to this day cannot believe that I get to work in such a wonderful industry and with some of the greatest songwriters of all time.
Throughout my working life, the imbalance between the diversity of music in the charts versus those working in the music industry really surprised me. How are there so few faces of colour, especially in management roles, and why isn’t there diverse talent across the sector? Sadly, we live and learn just how rigid society can be. The killing of George Floyd in 2020 changed things and finally, the voices of marginalised communities are being elevated and have space to be heard.
Can we help make a change? Of course, but it won’t be easy, and we must try to do this together. Together, showing our strength as a community with a shared goal, we can start to make those changes to improve our sector and society. I look forward to working alongside the MPA’s Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, Helen Choudhury, and promise to engage the MPA Membership in looking for solutions which will lead our community forward.”

Laura May

Founder, May Music & MPA BeWELL Champion

“I’m Laura May, and I started my own publishing company in 2017. I got my first job in publishing a long time ago after graduating from university with a degree in Music. I moved on from publishing after 5 years but stayed in music. Nowhere was ever the same and after leaving my job in a management company I had the idea for May Music. But before that, in 2012, I was diagnosed with an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and after 5 months of intense chemotherapy, I was clear of cancer and began a lengthy recovery. This time in my life really made me think about not only my physical health but my overall well-being. I noticed that when I returned to the workplace the people around me were working themselves into the ground and making themselves ill by doing so. Not just physically run down, but full of anxiety.

Our industry is pretty competitive and there is a lot of pressure to be working all the time. Everybody wants everything now but what we really need is to take some time for a bit of self-care. Mental health issues affect everyone and we need to take care of our mental health in the same way we do our physical health. The aim of BeWELL is a safe space for everyone to get together and be able to speak openly, without judgement about how they are feeling and about what may be making them feel this way. I’m hoping that our discussions about issues in the workplace can guide us to help employers support their employees and understand their mental health needs.”

Helen Choudhury

Head of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, MPA Group & MPA M3 Champion

“Hi, I am Helen Choudhury and I work for the MPA as their Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. I have a legal background in public law and human rights. I went into DEI by ‘accident’ and ended up working in global DEI for over 20 years. Working for various organisations, I have learned what works well and what doesn’t. I have also witnessed many positive changes throughout my career but there is still a lot to do. I believe that we all have something to contribute to DEI, regardless of our backgrounds and that nobody should be left out of the conversation. What I enjoy most is bringing people together through shared experiences, education, understanding and raising greater awareness about topics that can impact them directly or indirectly.

The M³ Employee Network is very important to me, it has been created from my personal experience of living with two chronic, debilitating and progressive gynaecological diseases known as endometriosis and adenomyosis. I am also perimenopausal. These experiences and the extensive research I had done around them made me realise that an employee network and guidance for employees and managers could help create more supportive workplaces. I spent some part of my working life pretending these issues didn’t impact me, smiling and delivering work whilst in chronic pain. I didn’t know if this was something I could discuss with my colleagues or manager, or whether doing so would affect my career progression. I want others to have the tools they need to ensure they don’t have to do this too. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others open up and share their personal stories too.”

Ray Pagden

Motus Music & MPA BeYOU Champion

“In the vibrant world of production music, I wear several hats: CEO of Motus Music, which I founded in 2016, Chair of the MPA Production Music Strategic Forum and a Director at the International Production Music Group. I also engage in the music tech sphere, focusing on modernising CWR with the Society Publisher Forum and exploring a recent member of the Metadata Expert Group at ICMP. In an industry brimming with creativity and diversity, there’s a stark contrast in representation, particularly in senior positions. It’s a gap I’m determined to help bridge, ensuring that the wide spectrum of voices in our industry shapes the decisions we make.

It’s clear that fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued and free to express their true selves is crucial for our industry’s growth and success. This is a core value in my role as BeYOU Champion.When the Music Publishers Association sought someone for this role, it became apparent that suitable candidates were either scarce or hesitant to step into such a visible position. Initially, I too was hesitant, hoping a more experienced individual would emerge as a beacon for the industry. Yet, drawing inspiration from LGBTQ+ leaders in other sectors who have courageously paved the way, I realised the importance of stepping forward. Embracing this role, I am driven by a deep commitment to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals at every career stage are not hindered but rather feel empowered and represented within our industry. I look forward to contributing to a more inclusive, equitable and diverse music publishing industry, ensuring respect and equal opportunities for all.”

Claire McAuley

EVP of Global Rights Management, Warner Chappell & MPA SEM Champion

“Claire is the EVP of Global Rights Management at Warner Chappell. In her time at the company, she has led a series of strategic moves to overhaul Warner Chappell’s copyright and royalty systems and speed up payments to songwriters. She’s helped to launch platforms to recover missing royalties, secure additional revenue for writers in emerging markets, and better track the global use of songwriters’ music across all major revenue streams, including digital, live performance, film and TV.

Claire joined Warner Chappell in 2018 as VP of International Operations, before being promoted in 2019 to become SVP of Global Administration. She began her career in the music industry at BMG Music Publishing in 2006, before going on to work at Universal Music Publishing, advertising agency TBWA and the Music Publishers Association.

She currently sits on the board of directors of the Music Publishers Association and the Mechanical Licensing Collective.”

Rachel Lindley

Director of Music Publishing, Oxford University Press & MPA Faith and Belief Champion

“I’m Rachel Lindley and I’m Director of Music Publishing at Oxford University Press, where we publish choral, classical and educational music. I started my career editing publications at Wise Music back in 2006 after studying Music and then Law, teaching music in a school and working in a music shop. During my career, I’ve been predominantly in the printed music sector, but I also launched music education platforms and worked within book publishing. I’m motivated by playing a part in amplifying the reach of fantastic composers, inspiring excellence in the next generation of musicians, and enabling more people to enjoy making and experiencing music, whatever their background or personal circumstances. I’m currently on the board of directors of the MPA, Chair of PMLL and a trustee of London Choral Sinfonia.

I’m proud to be Champion for Faith and Belief as I know that, for a person of faith or who has been brought up in a faith, it is intrinsically linked to their identity, communities and social networks. Regardless of what any of us believe at any given moment, faith and belief influence the choices we make, give us unique perspectives, and can also bring challenges to navigate. I believe we become stronger by knowing more people who are different to us, so my hope is that in this network, people of all faiths or none can chat, learn from one another and feel supported.”

Natasha Pattenden

COO, 235 Music Publishing & MPA Family Champion

“My name is Natasha, and I am Chief Operating Officer for an independent music publishing company called 235. I began my career at what was back then the MCPS-PRS Alliance after graduating with a Music Business Management Degree. With a keen interest in learning more about music publishing, I then went on to further my career at Universal Music. I learned so much there and met so many people who strengthened my passion for wanting to do right by songwriters. When Kobalt approached me during their early start-up days to head up their Client Service division, I jumped at the opportunity and spent the next 14+ years developing what was later re-branded Writer & Publisher Relations. Having been on the most incredibly rewarding journey with Kobalt, I left there in 2022 and have been at 235 Music Publishing for just over a year, overseeing all operational functions and helping to build a really exciting new go-to company for songwriters.

I am incredibly driven, loyal and passionate about what I do not only in my career but also in my personal life. I have two young children at primary school and they are a huge part of why I feel so equipped to be championing this Family Employee Network. Many employers have made significant progress over the past decade regarding flexible working for employees with dependents, however, sadly there are many employees still struggling. Whilst more is being done now than it was 10 years ago to support employees with family commitments, there is still a lot of work to do. Juggling and maintaining a good work/life balance comes with a huge amount of challenges and I am passionate about creating a safe place to discuss and, where I hope, we can impart some positive change.
Almost all of my spare time is dedicated to my children, however, in any free time that I do have, I enjoy reading, baking and binge-watching a good TV series with a good red wine!

If what I’ve said resonates with you at all, either as an employer or an employee, then please come along to our sessions, I’d love to meet you!”

Maria Forte

Founder, Maria Forte Music Services Ltd. & MPA Generation MIX Champion

“I have worked in the music industry since I started at Virgin Music (Publishers) Ltd. in the late 70s. I began in an administrative capacity and remained there for 14 years, the last 5 years as General Manager, until the sale of Virgin to the EMI Group. I worked with many contemporary bands/writers including The Police, The Human League, Culture Club, Soul II Soul, The Clash, Stereo MCs and The Prodigy. During my tenure there, Virgin Music expanded from a London-based entity to a global multi-territory publishing network. I spent 4 years at EMI Music Publishing, running the copyright department as well as setting up and establishing the sampling department. I continued to work with the Virgin Music catalogue as well as the rich and varied catalogue belonging to EMI. In 1996, I returned to work with Richard Branson and was a co-founder and Director of Commercial Affairs at V2 Music Publishing Ltd. Despite my move away from EMI, I continued to work with The Prodigy at that time, in order to complete the sample clearance work for their multi-platinum-selling album Fat Of The Land. I also worked closely with Liam Howlett on prior albums Experience and Music For The Jilted Generation. At V2 I signed, amongst others, Fluke and Boy George to the music publishing entity.

I left V2 in 2000 to join MusicState as Chief Operating Officer. MusicState offered an online source of pre-cleared commercial music for synchronisation. I defined and oversaw the launch of their website/service, creating a template for it and accompanying systems through which it could operate. Returning to music publishing I subsequently joined Sanctuary Music Publishing as Director of Commercial Business where my role included the acquisition of rights (catalogue or writer), as well as operational responsibilities for the company. I worked with a catalogue that included Bert Jansch, Axl Rose, Wasp and Spiritual Beggars. Maria Forte Music Services Ltd was created in July 2006, working with a wide and varied group of clients across multiple genres and media, including Amnesty International, Iron Maiden & Phantom Music Management, Modest! Management, Radiohead & Warner Chappell, The Really Useful Group, Jazzie B and The Wedding Present.
I am keen on working with people from different generations to understand what makes them ‘tick’ and how workplaces can learn to accommodate their needs and preferences, where practical, and can help to prevent division and conflict. Maria understands that each generation has its own wants and needs, and values different ways of working.
I am looking forward to working with you, whether you are from the Silent Generation, a Boomer, Gen X, Millennial (Gen Y) or a Gen Z. See you at the network.”

Dr Kienda Hoji

Music and Entertainment Lawyer/Consultant & MPA Gender+ Champion

Dr Kienda Hoji is a music and entertainment lawyer/consultant with over 30 years of experience in the global music industry. He has worked with artists and labels, including MCA Records, LL Cool J, Juni Morrison (Parliament Funkadelic), Narada Michael Walden, Amp Fidler, Tarrus Riley, Mad Professor, and several current exciting fledgling artist projects.

He is an experienced music business educator, lecturing and teaching the legal and business aspects of the music industry. Before his current role, he spent ten years in university leadership roles, including Head of Music, Assistant Head of the School of Arts at the University of Westminster London, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of ACM.

He has held a visiting professorship at Peking University, Beijing. He has lectured internationally at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, the Institute of Cultural Studies in St Petersburg, Russia, and several institutions around the Caribbean and Africa.

Aside from academic work and research, Kienda continues to manage artists. He is a founding member of the UK Music Diversity Task Force, A board member of Black Lives in Music, a member of the co-creation Council of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), and an International Ambassador for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. Being a keen Archer, Kienda is also a Board Director of Archery GB, the governing body for Archery in Great Britain.

Kienda’s current research interests include:

The legal perspectives of race bias in the contracting terms and development planning of major signed music artists of African descent.
The weakness of applying Western classical legal IP principles to cultural production practices in non-western domains including the Caribbean, Africa and China.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Leading the way

Dedicated Employee Networks

MPA AccessAbility (Disability)

MPA Respect (Race, Ethnicity & Culture)

MPA BeYOU (LGBTQIA+)

MPA M³ (Menopause, Menstruation, Miscarriage)

MPA BeWELL (Mental Health & Wellbeing)

MPA Generation MIX (Generational Diversity)

MPA Faith & Belief

MPA SEM (Social Economic Mobility)

MPA Family

MPA Gender+

Committed leadership

Paul Clements CEO, MPA & DEI Sponsor

Jackie Alway EVP, International Legal & Industry Affairs, Universal Music Publishing Group & MPA AccessAbility Champion

Gary Bhupsingh Vice President of UK Administration, Sony Music Publishing & MPA Respect Champion

Laura May Founder, May Music & MPA BeWELL Champion

Helen Choudhury Head of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, MPA Group & MPA M3 Champion

Ray Pagden Motus Music & MPA BeYOU Champion

Claire McAuley EVP of Global Rights Management, Warner Chappell & MPA SEM Champion

Rachel Lindley Director of Music Publishing, Oxford University Press & MPA Faith and Belief Champion

Natasha Pattenden COO, 235 Music Publishing & MPA Family Champion

Maria Forte Founder, Maria Forte Music Services Ltd. & MPA Generation MIX Champion

Dr Kienda Hoji Music and Entertainment Lawyer/Consultant & MPA Gender+ Champion

NXT-Gen Scholars Scheme

Discover more of what we do

MPA AccessAbility (Disability)

MPA Respect (Race, Ethnicity & Culture)

MPA BeYOU (LGBTQIA+)

MPA M³ (Menopause, Menstruation, Miscarriage)

MPA BeWELL (Mental Health & Wellbeing)

MPA Generation MIX (Generational Diversity)

MPA Faith & Belief

MPA SEM (Social Economic Mobility)

MPA Family

MPA Gender+

Paul Clements

CEO, MPA & DEI Sponsor

Jackie Alway

EVP, International Legal & Industry Affairs, Universal Music Publishing Group & MPA AccessAbility Champion

Gary Bhupsingh

Vice President of UK Administration, Sony Music Publishing & MPA Respect Champion

Laura May

Founder, May Music & MPA BeWELL Champion

Helen Choudhury

Head of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, MPA Group & MPA M3 Champion

Ray Pagden

Motus Music & MPA BeYOU Champion

Claire McAuley

EVP of Global Rights Management, Warner Chappell & MPA SEM Champion

Rachel Lindley

Director of Music Publishing, Oxford University Press & MPA Faith and Belief Champion

Natasha Pattenden

COO, 235 Music Publishing & MPA Family Champion

Maria Forte

Founder, Maria Forte Music Services Ltd. & MPA Generation MIX Champion

Dr Kienda Hoji

Music and Entertainment Lawyer/Consultant & MPA Gender+ Champion

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Diversity, Equality
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