News

We are delighted to introduce the nominees below and thank them for putting themselves forward to support the work of the MMF and represent our membership. Each brings valuable experience, insight and enthusiasm that will help shape the organisation’s future.

As the number of nominees matches the number of vacancies, a member vote will not be required this year. In accordance with the MMF Rules, the nominees will be formally announced and confirmed at the MMF Annual General Meeting on Monday 28th September, at which point their terms of office will commence. Members can download their tickets for the AGM here.

At the same time, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ellie Giles, who reaches the end of her third and final consecutive term on the MMF Board this year. Over the past nine years, Ellie has made an outstanding contribution to the MMF and its members, generously giving her time, expertise and energy to support the organisation’s growth and development. We are extremely grateful for her commitment, leadership and service, and we wish her every success for the future.

Please join us in thanking Ellie and welcoming our incoming Board members at the AGM.

DUNCAN ELLIS

Duncan Ellis is a British music manager and entrepreneur best known as the founder and owner of Atlas Artists, a UK artist-management company and record label.

He began his management career by establishing Scruffy Bird Management, which he ran for approximately 13 years. During this period, he helped manage and develop artists including: Foals, Everything Everything, Lianne La Havas, Kodaline, The Rumble Strips &The Young Knives.

Duncan founded Atlas Artists in 2014. The company has subsequently worked with acclaimed British artists including Celeste—winner of the 2020 BRIT Rising Star Award—and Rachel Chinouriri. Its wider activities span artist management, A&R, recording and artist development.

In 2021, Atlas Artists entered a joint venture with Warner Music’s Parlophone Records. Under the arrangement, Atlas retained responsibility for artist discovery and A&R, while Parlophone provided marketing and global distribution. Rachel Chinouriri, Gabriels were the initial artists involved. Parlophone’s leadership described Atlas as having a proven ability to identify and develop distinctive British talent.

Duncan is keen to contribute his extensive experience in artist management and business leadership to the board, with a particular focus on ensuring that managers are fairly recognised and remunerated for the value they create. He is also passionate about supporting the evolution of current industry business models to ensure they remain sustainable, equitable and fit for purpose in a rapidly changing music landscape. Through his board role, he hopes to bring the perspective of an active manager and entrepreneur, helping to drive positive change for both managers and the wider music industry.

KERRY HARVEY PIPER

I’ve been a manager for over 20 years, working mainly with singer-songwriters, roots and acoustic artists. I got into management after setting up my own independent label, releasing new artists I loved.  This transitioned quickly into managing one of the artists on the label and learning how to manage ‘on the job’.  Current management clients include multi-award-winning folk legend Peggy Seeger, Irish singer-songwriter & actor Niall McNamee, and The George Michael Singers (George’s original backing singers).  I also administrate the catalogue of folk singer and songwriter Ewan MacColl.

I’m standing for a third (and final) term on the MMF Board as I’m passionate about making sure some of the more ‘niche’ (and possibly less commercial) genres are fully represented on the Board.  I’m also on the steering committee for the European Music Managers Association (EMMA) folk, roots and acoustic sub group and previously served for 6 years on the Board of AIM.

RAY BLACK

I’ve worked in the music industry for over twenty years and currently represent Mogwai, Kathryn Joseph, and producer Paul Savage. Representing internationally established artists has given me a broad view of the practical, financial, and creative pressures managers navigate at every career stage and it’s the perspective I’d continue bringing to the MMF board.

My three key priorities for my second term on the MMF Board, would be first, continuing to champion the needs of managers who live and work in Scotland and remote areas across the UK to ensure the MMF’s work can engage and serve all members.

Second, building and strengthening on the excellent existing support the MMF offers around mental health for managers and the artists we work with. The music industry can be relentless, and managers are frequently the first line of support for their artists. I’d like to see the MMF continue to lead in developing a culture where mental health is something everyone working in the industry can talk about openly with members supported by real practical help.

Third, staying actively engaged in the policy debate on AI and the music industry, supporting the MMF to continue pushing for real protections on consent, compensation, and control over how AI will impact our members’ work and livelihoods.

SUMIT BOTHRA

I have been a board member of the MMF and EMMA for quite a few years now and am a deeply active and committed advocate for both artist managers and those we represent. 

I worked for Virgin Records and Sony Music before becoming an Artist Manager at age 25. I ran my own company for 5 years before joining ATC Management where I acted as Managing Director of the European Management Division. I am now the Founder/Owner of a boutique artist management company based in Brighton. 

My clients over the years have included Amaarae, Ethan Johns, The Staves, and PJ Harvey (whom I co-managed with ATC Management for over 12 years). I have worked within many genres of music across both major labels and independent labels, and have managed recording artists, songwriters, producers, authors, and composers. SB3 currently manages Harriet Rock, Katie Melua, Nathan Nicholson, The Boxer Rebellion, and Victoria Canal. 

Within my role at the MMF I am particularly drawn to community building, mentorship, and protecting artist’s rights within a very fast-paced digital landscape.

VICKY DOWDALL

As Director of VDM Music Ltd, I have dedicated my career to developing artists and building sustainable, long-term careers through strategic management, commercial partnerships, live opportunities and business development. Working as an independent manager has given me a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing artists and managers alike, and it continues to shape my commitment to supporting our profession.

Having served two terms on the MMF Board, it has been a privilege to represent the membership and contribute to the organisation’s work. During that time, I have supported the MMF’s mission to champion managers, strengthen our collective voice and help ensure that the organisation remains relevant in a rapidly changing industry. I have valued the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional group of board members and the executive team, helping to influence discussions that benefit managers across the UK.

I am seeking re-election because I believe there is still important work to do. The music industry continues to evolve at pace, bringing new opportunities, technologies and challenges for managers. I want to continue contributing my experience as an active independent manager while ensuring that the MMF remains inclusive, forward-thinking and representative of the diverse membership it serves.

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for practical support, professional development and greater opportunities for managers at every stage of their careers. I am passionate about sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration and ensuring that independent managers have a strong voice in shaping the future of our industry. My experience on the Board, combined with my day-to-day work through VDM Music Ltd, enables me to bring both strategic insight and practical understanding to discussions.

It would be an honour to continue serving the membership, listening to your views and working collaboratively to ensure the MMF remains a trusted, influential and ambitious organisation for all music managers.