Natalie Wade, PPL Director of Music Industry Engagement, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Creative Industries in the King’s New Year Honours list.
Natalie is a renowned figure in the UK music industry, founding youth-led music charity Small Green Shoots in 2009 and female-focused consultancy The Cat’s Mother in 2019.
Natalie joined PPL in 2022 as a member of the Executive Leaderhship Team and is responsible for further developing our relationships with the UK music industry, promoting our work collecting hundreds of millions in neighbouring rights revenue, and supporting performers and recording rightsholders maximise this income.
Natalie said: “I am so lucky to have had the chances to work with incredible people, who’ve helped me make incredible things happen for other people with incredible potential. So, I’m accepting this honour on behalf of everyone who had contributed to our shared achievements. This is for every Small Green Shoot out there, every person who gave up an hour to mentor someone through The Cat’s Mother, and every one of my fantastic and much-loved colleagues, friends and family members who have stood alongside me through my crazy journey. Thank you all for your unwavering encouragement and belief in our vision. This one is for us.”
In 2016, Natalie was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music and the creative industries. She was recognised as an Unsung Hero by the Music Managers Forum (MMF) and Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) at the 2018 Artist & Manager Awards.
In 2020, Natalie was inducted into Music Week’s Women in Music Roll of Honour. She is also an advisor to the PRS Foundation and sits on the Executive Steering Committee of Power Up.
