PPL’s Chief Membership and People Officer, Kate Reilly, has been appointed to the board of music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
Kate is one of three new appointments to Nordoff and Robbins’ board of trustees, along with Selina Emeny, International Group Counsel, Live Nation Entertainment, and Giles Wilmore, Director of Community, Manchester Camerata.
The trio join the board of trustees in support of the organisation’s goal of transforming more lives through music. Working with Chair, Emma Banks (CAA), Vice Chair, Lucy Noble (AEG Presents) and other board members, they will work to to steer Nordoff and Robbins’ long-term strategy and goals.
Nordoff and Robbins’ new five-year strategy focuses on working with the wider ‘music for health’ ecosystem, to see music therapy firmly established as a recognised, integrated and accessible form of health care.
In a joint statement, Selina, Kate and Giles said: “As the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins has the chance to make music therapy a vital part of health and social care. Personally and professionally, we have supported this important cause for many years, and are honoured to now help sustain and grow its impact. Guided by its values of people, music and quality, we look forward to working with our Chair and Board to help more people connect and communicate through the power of music.”
As PPL’s Chief Membership and People Officer, Kate is responsible for maintaining and further developing the service it offers to its members, while also delivering a HR strategy that supports the achievement of its company goals. She also sits on the UK Music Diversity Taskforce, supporting the equity and diversity agenda. Kate also joins the Nordoff and Robbins People & Culture sub-committee.
Emma Banks, Chair, Nordoff and Robbins, said: “We are delighted that Selina, Kate and Giles have joined our Board of Trustees. All three bring a wealth of experience from within the music and health industries and as we strive for a future where music therapy can support even more people, we are privileged to have them on this journey with us. Trustees uphold our values, reputation and credibility with their words and actions, advocating for our work with all our stakeholders and the public. With their support, the Board and Nordoff and Robbins will continue to work together effectively, committed to the constant improvements essential to good governance.”
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, commented: “Selina, Kate and Giles will be at the heart of real change not just for Nordoff and Robbins, but the people we serve and exist for. Radical listening is a key part of our music therapists’ work, and we took significant time listening ‘on the ground’ to help shape our 2025-2030 strategy. Millions of people could benefit from music therapy, but we can’t reach them on our own. This is why we hope to grow and develop our ecosystem beyond just Nordoff and Robbins, alongside ensuring financial sustainability, influencing policy, exploring new income streams and focussing on our quality and depth of work, all whilst increasing impact for our clients. Our Board of Trustees is a visible, active, approachable and valued part of the organisation and these new additions will be of great benefit to realising our ambitious vision.”
