Ultra-organised with unwavering dedication to detail, Distribution Business Manager Anouska Durrant is part of the team that turns our complex data into revenue calculations. It adds up to a collaborative, fast-paced role that’s all about ensuring PPL’s members are paid fairly and on time. We caught up with Anouska to find out more…
Anouska, what made you want to be part of PPL – and what were you doing before?
Before PPL, I worked in a wide range of industries from TV to footwear and apparel, but always in similar roles focused on organising and planning.
I joined PPL on an 18 month contract, and I knew within two weeks that I wanted to stay. Seven years later I’m still here and I still absolutely love it. People here care so much about what we do and there’s a real culture of sharing and problem solving which always keeps me motivated.
Unlike so many of my brilliant colleagues, I’m afraid I have zero musical talent. But what I do have is a real love for music and for the power it has to bring people together.
You’re part of the Distribution team… How does Distribution fit into the business?
The Distribution team is responsible for working out the allocated revenue due to our members. We take all the data that’s been collected from around the business – billions of rows – and calculate members’ allocations so they’re paid accurately and on time.
It’s intricate work, and a big part of my role is assisting the business teams who collate all this data to agree how we’ll hit all our deadlines. One of the things I love most about my job is that I get to work with everyone – colleagues across IT, International, Repertoire, Membership, Finance and more.
Tell us about a typical day in your role?
There isn’t one. It’s different every day but it’s always busy. There are literally thousands of activities that have to happen for us to reach the point where we pay our members each quarter.
We’re all dedicated to making sure we hit the right milestones and checks along the way so that our members always get the revenue they’re entitled to.
What are your top priorities right now?
We’re currently working out plans for the rest of 2024 and agreeing everything for the last two payments of the year which will come in September and December. We’re also starting to look at 2025.
We usually work out a plan for the whole year six months ahead and every day we review it to ensure we’re on track and up to date with any changes.
What are some of the biggest challenges in your role?
The level of detail in our data is always a challenge and I’m often in awe of the different skills sets people have across PPL. What we do is complicated – but we always make it work.
I think this is the perfect role for an over-active brain like mine which likes to think of plan A, plan B, risks and contingencies. I always try to make sure the right people are communicating with each other and that they’re getting the support they need.
How have you seen PPL make a positive impact for the artists and organisations you work with?
The most rewarding part of the job is learning how the revenue we provide makes such a difference to our members. I’m not in a member-facing role so it’s lovely to get positive feedback from our Member Services team who are hearing those stories first-hand.
I’m also very proud to be part of an organisation where people will do the due diligence to make sure that when artists pass away, their beneficiaries get paid for their work.
What’s a track that always makes you smile – and why?
This one is impossible to answer – I could name 100! – and the older I get, the harder it is to pick a favourite. But that’s one of the wonderful things about music, so many songs are joined to so many special moments and they all make me smile for different reasons.
And finally, what new track should everyone have on their playlist?
“Astronaut” by Griff. It’s on her new album ‘Vertigo’.
