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We’re delighted to introduce you to the five exceptional managers nominated for the MMF Board 2023 elections. These managers have demonstrated remarkable expertise and dedication, poised to shape our organisation’s future.

Register for the Annual MMF AGM on 13th September, where you will have the opportunity to meet the nominees in person and learn about their vision.

Read their nomination statements below.

RAY BLACK

Ray Black began my journey in music in 2006 as a drummer experiencing the highs and lows of pursuing a career as a featured artist. While not successful in that pursuit, the learning and development proved vitally important in shaping the values and approaches to working with artists that I have taken forward ever since.

“I founded my management company Craft Management in 2014 and we have the privilege of working with a roster of incredibly creative artists supporting them in the development of their careers worldwide. In recent years I have been actively engaged in the MMFs work in Dissecting The Digital Dollar and through the pandemic led with colleagues the Scottish Commercial Music Industry Taskforce, which engaged directly with the Scottish and UK Governments to find solutions to enable musicians, featured artists and the wider scottish industry to survive and rebuild.

It would be an honour to join the MMF board and support the organisation to achieve its goals. Important priorities for me personally include seeking to continually improve equality and diversity across the industry, and creating the conditions that support better mental health for artists and managers. Additionally, I am passionate about pursuing a step change in industry transparency, and exploring how we enable new investment to support more sustainable careers for artists and managers.”

KERRY HARVEY PIPER

Kerry Harvey Piper set up Red Grape Music in 2006 as an independent label, incorporating management services a few years later. Kerry work mainly with singer-songwriters, roots and acoustic artists. She has a deep understanding of issues relating to niche genre artists and those who attract an older (40+) audience. Another of my passions is helping to re-focus and re-position artists at significant crossroads in their careers.

“I manage Peggy Seeger, the 88-year-old singer and songwriter best known for her feminist and political songs. Over the past 10 years I’ve helped reinvigorate her career, resulting in widespread national media attention (including two appearances on Later…with Jools), multiple international awards and much larger audiences across the spectrum. Other clients on my current roster include new signing Rob Wheeler, a British writer signed to Bucks and collaborating on his third album in Nashville.

During my 3 years on the MMF board I’ve particularly enjoyed mentoring for the Accelerator programme, contributed to the collaboration of the MMF with Parents in Performing Arts and set up a mangers’ sub-group for those working with folk, roots and acoustic artists. As a member of AIM (the Association of Independent Music), English Folk Expo, Folk Alliance International, the BRITs judging panel and a mentor for PRS Keychange, I bring an broad and inclusive view of the industry to the MMF Board as well as my specialist areas of knowledge and passion.”

SUMIT BOTHRA

Sumit Bothra is Managing Director of artist management company, ATC Management Europe. Having worked in the music industry for 25+ years Sumit represents artists including Amaarae, The Boxer Rebellion, Fink, Katie Melua, Nathan Nicholson, and PJ Harvey. He has worked in the industry since attending the Wharton School and University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering, where he began his career promoting artists for Virgin Records of America before moving to London to work for Sony Music. As Managing Director of ATC Management Europe he oversees the operations and well-being of 14+ artist managers and support staff, and directs the company’s growth strategy. ATC Management has offices in London, New York, Los Angeles and Copenhagen and manages 60+ recording artists, songwriters, record producers and composers.

“I am honoured and humbled to be a current board member of the MMF as well as the European Music Managers Alliance. My relationship with the MMF began in my early twenties when I was invited to be an Observer to the Board. I have seen the organisation go through many twists and turns over the years, and being a part of today’s inclusive, collaborative, powerful, and dynamic team is a true joy and privilege. Throughout my journey as a board member of the MMF I have been an active participant in the vast variety of discussions the organisation tackles, ranging from social impact and diversity, to climate action and legislative change at industry level. I have always been willing to share my own experiences, learn from others, and mentor and advise those coming up through the industry right across the country. Through my work at ATC Management I have the unique advantage of coming from an organisation that represents recording artists, songwriters, record producers and composers, not to mention our sister company ATC Live which represents 400+ touring artists. This provides me with a very well-rounded and compassionate outlook across the wide variety of agendas and view”

VICKY DOWDALL

Vicky Dowdall is the founder and CEO of VDM Music LTD. Her roster includes artists and songwriters: Nina Nesbitt, Olivia Sebastianelli & Cody Frost. Vicky also co manages Ella Henderson with Mark Hargreaves at Crown Talent Group. Vicky and Mark have also joined forces and launched their own label Truth Records. Vicky is also a sought after Music Consultant.

Vicky has been nominated twice for the manager of the year award at the Music Week Awards and was enrolled onto the prestigious Roll of Honour at the Women in Music Awards last year. Vicky is a very proud MMF Board Member.

Vicky joined the board as the pandemic hit and was actively involved in workshops and online master classes ran by the MMF. Nina Nesbitt started going viral in the pandemic on Tik Tok and Vicky and Nina lead a master class with MMF associates Tik Tok. Vicky has spoken on various panels representing the MMF as well as being active in her home town of Newcastle to help talent and managers in the North East. Vicky actively encourages other managers of all levels to join the MMF and is also currently mentoring one of the accelerator managers.

ELLIE GILES

Ellie has 20 years experience within the music industry, starting out as a promoter, eventually going into A&R – bringing in and signing Ellie Goulding and White Lies.

For the past 10 years Ellie has ran her own company managing artists, producers, mixers and writers, so has a great understanding of all parts of the business.

“It has been an honour serving on the board, I hope to carry on bringing an inquisitive approach. I believe in questioning everything and making sure no stone is unturned.

I believe in a transparent and open industry with strong education, always advocating for the marginalised voices.

As we move towards a changing industry clean data and AI regulation are going to be vitally important topics which I’ll be pushing wholeheartedly.”