This year’s APM brought together performers, industry experts and PPL executives to provide an update on PPL’s collection and distribution of performer income for the last 18 months, outline future plans and show how we’re supporting performers today. The meeting also included the election of two Performer Directors to the PPL Board.
John Smith OBE, Chair of the Board, opened the meeting by underlining PPL’s work to champion music rights. He highlighted a decade of Annual Supplementary Remuneration (ASR) and the continued role of PPL Giving in supporting the pipeline of British musical talent.
John also reflected on ten years as Chair as he prepares to step down at the end of the year, when Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE will take on the role.
He closed by saying: “It has been a privilege to be your Chair for the last decade, and I will greatly miss the respectful and constructive discussions around the PPL Board table, as one of the few places in the industry which genuinely manages to bring together people from its many sides. Long may it continue – I am confident that it will.”
Business progress
PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE shared updates on PPL’s performance. He noted that in revenue passed £300m for the first time in 2024, driven by growth in public performance (£121.4m) and broadcast and online licensing (£98.6m).
International collections also reached £81 million, supported by PPL’s network of 116 agreements spanning 55 countries.
Peter emphasised PPL’s commitment to continue its work in increasing payouts for performers. In 2024, PPL paid out over £284m to members – a 5% increase on the previous year. He also highlighted PPL’s role in the AI space and the organisation’s focus on protecting music rights.
Kate Reilly, PPL’s Chief Membership and People Officer, reflected on the support provided to performers in 2024, including handling over 47,000 member queries and 1 million performer claims.
She noted progress with our Member Services department’s transformational efforts, including releasing £314,000 in held balances through a successful tracing pilot, and modernising our member payment systems and replacing the statements provided with distributions.
Company presentations
The APM also included a presentation and panel, each exploring different aspects of the music industry. The first was a presentation on the global neighbouring rights landscape, presented by PPL Director of International Laurence Oxenbury and Head of International Chloe Rowlatt.
A panel on ‘The Power of Sync’, hosted by PPL Head of Licensing Charlie Rogers, brought together Nicky Bignell (BBC Head of Music Rights), Gary Welch (Music Supervisor, Eyehear) and Rue Gumbochuma (Music Coordinator, Leland).
The discussion explored why sync matters, the impact of key music moments in TV, film and advertising, and how royalties flow through PPL’s blanket licence. The panellists also touched on where opportunities are emerging in the sync space and shared practical advice for performers looking to get their music used.
Supporting performers through PPL Giving
The impact of PPL Giving ran through the day’s discussions, reflecting our commitment to supporting performers across the UK.
Formally launched in March 2024, the programme supports talent development, artist welfare and music education across the UK. More than £1 million a year is distributed to over 35 organisations, including The Brit School for talent development, BAPAM for health and well-being advice, and Music Minds Matter for mental health support. BAPAM also attended the APM to share more about their work with performers.
