Support Beyond the Music

John has faithfully served the PRS Members’ Fund for over 50 years, having joined PRS for Music as a junior clerk in 1973 and being appointed General Secretary of the charity in 1985. With a strong background in charity management and governance, John ensures that the Fund delivers vital assistance to PRS members in areas such as health, wellbeing, housing, and finance related needs. His passion for supporting the music community is evident in his dedication to nurturing the wellbeing of members, ensuring they receive help during challenging times. In 2015, he was honoured with a BASCA Gold Badge of Merit for his services to songwriters and composers. He remains a key figure in the Fund’s strategic leadership and outreach.

Christine is the Grants & Administration Manager at the PRS Members’ Fund, where she plays a vital role in managing the Fund’s grant giving and back-office administration. With a background in not-for-profit organisations, hospice, and local authority services, she is passionate about supporting those suffering financial hardship. Christine oversees the administration and management of grants process for the charity. With over 27 years of dedicated service, she is responsible for coordinating a range of financial aid schemes, ensuring members receive the resources and support they need with professionalism, compassion, empathy and efficiency. Her strong organisational skills and commitment to help maximise the charity’s impact, enabling members to access timely assistance that improves their wellbeing and financial stability.

David is a highly accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in corporate services, strategic planning, and financial management. Before joining the Fund, he served as Director of Corporate Services for the British Psychotherapy Foundation and the Children’s Commissioner for England, where he spearheaded organisational growth and large-scale change management. A strategic thinker, David specialises in driving income growth, enhancing governance, and implementing robust finance systems. He brings a comprehensive expertise in risk management, HR, and internal audit to the Fund, David’s blend of high-level operational leadership and dedication to best practices ensures the charity’s infrastructure remains efficient and resilient in supporting music creators.

Ilaria is a dynamic marketing professional with a specialised background in the music industry. An alumna of City, University of London, where she studied Music Business, she brings a deep understanding of records, publishing, and copyright law to the Fund. Ilaria supports the Fund’s marketing and communication strategies, and she is responsible for increasing the charity’s visibility, managing digital content. Before transitioning to her current senior role, her career also includes experience as a content creator and artist liaison, skills she now uses to drive the Fund’s strategic digital outreach and creative communications. Fluent in Italian and English, Ilaria is dedicated to ensuring the charity’s mission of “Support Beyond the Music” reaches a diverse and global membership.

Sebastian is a media and music professional with a background in live sports broadcast and audio production. An alumnus of ICMP (The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance), where he studied Music, he brings a modern, tech-focused approach to the Fund’s operations. Before transitioning into his current role, he developed expertise in live audio and radio editing with Formula 1. At the PRS Members’ Fund, Sebastian leverages his technical skills and industry passion to provide vital administrative support, assisting in the seamless delivery of welfare and financial aid schemes for music creators, and working closely with the Grants Manager to process applications and maintain member records. Sebastian’s career at the Fund is defined by his commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that the charity’s “safety net” functions smoothly for songwriters and composers in crisis.

Naomi Wallace Asher is a music rights consultant with nearly 30 years of experience advocating for the rights of creators. Originally from Los Angeles, Naomi has been a cornerstone of the London arts industries since 1999, beginning her career in musical theatre before transitioning into music publishing. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Songwriter Services and Neighbouring Rights at Sony Music Publishing until April 2024, where she managed a roster of over 500 catalogue writers. A co-founder of the Independent Alliance for Artist Rights (IAFAR), Naomi is a leading expert in intellectual property and neighbouring rights. Now leading her own consultancy and serving as a Trustee for the PRS Members Fund, she remains a dedicated champion for the welfare and financial security of
songwriters and composers.

Vanessa Brown, known professionally as VV Brown, is a multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. With a career spanning over 15 years in the spotlight, she has navigated the complexities of both major label and independent music landscapes. Vanessa brings a vital “creator-first” perspective to the Fund. Her first-hand experience with the pressures of the industry makes her a passionate advocate for mental health and financial well-being initiatives for fellow musicians.

Kim Frankiewicz is the Executive Vice President of Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, where she oversees one of the most significant independent music catalogues in the world. With a career that has seen her hold senior leadership roles at Universal and Imagem, Kim is a powerhouse in global music publishing. A Trustee since 2021, she provides the Fund with invaluable strategic oversight and an international perspective on the evolving value of music rights.

Ex doctor Pete Glenister is an award winning guitarist, songwriter and producer. He has worked with artists ranging from Alison Moyet, Annie Lennox, and Kirsty MacColl to Terence Trent D’Arby, Darius and Corona. Serving as the Deputy Chair of the Fund, Peter has been an instrumental part of the board. His long-term commitment to the charity’s Finance and Mental Health sub-committees has been pivotal in expanding the “Pillars of Support” offered to members in crisis.

Peter Knight Jr is a globally recognised music publishing expert and the founder of Catalyst Music Publishing Ltd, established in the late 1970s. Over a career spanning several decades, Peter has managed the publishing for some of the world’s most legendary artists, including Quincy Jones, Thelonious Monk, and the Black Eyed Peas. His extensive experience includes running Global Chrysalis Music Publishing and holding senior A&R roles at Polydor Records, where he worked with acts such as The Bee Gees and The Who. As a Trustee of the PRS Members Fund, Peter uses his deep knowledge of catalogue management and copyright to advocate for the financial well-being of the songwriting community.

Deni Lew is a seasoned music industry professional and creative consultant with extensive experience in artist development, management and A&R.

Appointed as a Trustee in June 2025, Deni brings a deep understanding of the practical challenges facing modern music creators. Her career is marked by a commitment to fostering sustainable careers for songwriters and performers. At the PRS Members’ Fund, Deni leverages her industry insights to help steer the charity’s mission of providing a vital safety net for the PRS community.

Mike Lindup is a founding member, keyboardist, and songwriter for the legendary platinum band Level 42.

As a Trustee of the PRS Members’ Fund, Mike brings the unique perspective of a career musician who has seen the industry transform over four decades. His work on the board focuses on the long-term sustainability of the Fund, ensuring it remains a reliable resource for both legacy creators and the next generation of PRS members.

Darren Michaelson is a prominent music rights investor and entertainment veteran with over 30 years of experience. Having co-founded the Barometer Music Royalty Fund (acquired by Alternative Partners in 2021), he now manages an expansive portfolio for the AP Music Royalties Fund. His curated catalogues include global icons such as The Notorious B.I.G., The Spice Girls, Def Leppard, and Chris Brown, alongside hits by Sam Smith and Halsey. Darren’s expertise is rooted in elite artist management, having worked with The Smashing Pumpkins and Sir Elton John’s executive team. Darren brings a sophisticated blend of financial acumen and deep industry heritage to the Board.

Paul Patterson is an internationally acclaimed composer and was Manson Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music. As one of the most performed British composers of his generation, Paul’s works have been commissioned by leading orchestras and festivals worldwide. He provides a bridge between the contemporary classical world and the Fund’s mission. Paul is deeply committed to supporting the creative longevity of composers, ensuring that the Fund addresses the unique financial and professional challenges faced by those in the concert music sector.

Ian Penman is a highly experienced solicitor specialising in media and entertainment law and a founding partner of New Media Law LLP. With a career in the music industry dating back to the 1980s – including time as a professional musician and record producer – Ian transitioned into law in 1994, eventually establishing a practice that advises high-profile clients across music, film, and technology. He is a co-founder of the music and IP asset management system Synchtank, Group Legal Director of the international nutrition company, Norvia, and a lecturer on Music Business Law at the University of Westminster as well as at Tileyard Education. Appointed as a Trustee in September 2024, Ian leverages his deep expertise in corporate law, copyright and intellectual property to safeguard the interests of the PRS Members’ Fund community.

Simon Platz is the Managing Director of Bucks Music Group, one of the UK’s leading independent music publishers. Appointed as a Trustee in January 2024, Simon carries forward a family legacy of service to the music industry. His expertise in catalogue management and independent publishing is vital in helping the Fund navigate the financial complexities of royalty-based benevolence.

Philip Pope is a distinguished composer and songwriter with an extensive career across film, television, and radio. Formerly a long-standing Trustee, Philip stepped into the role of Chair of the Board in January 2026. His versatile portfolio includes iconic credits such as Spitting Image, The Fast Show, and Outnumbered, as well as the co-writing of the UK Number 1 hit “The Chicken Song”. A dedicated member of the PRS Members’ Council since 2019, Philip brings a wealth of creative and industry insight to his leadership of the Fund, ensuring it continues to provide a vital support network for music creators in need.

Mike Stobbie is an accomplished composer and songwriter with a career deeply rooted in the UK music scene. Elected to the PRS Members’ Council in 2024 and subsequently joining the Fund as a Trustee in January 2025, Mike represents the interests of writer members at the highest levels of governance. His dual role allows him to bridge the gap between the administrative functions of PRS and the philanthropic mission of the Fund, ensuring that member welfare remains a top priority.

John Truelove is an influential dance music producer and songwriter and the founder of Truelove Music, a leading global electronic publishing company. Best known for the iconic anthem ‘You Got The Love’ most famously performed by The Source and Florence + The Machine, John has used his success to champion the rights of music creators. His company now manages over 100,000 copyrights with an extensive portfolio of high-profile sync placements, including the 2026 Super Bowl. A long-standing elected writer Director on the PRS Members’ Council and Board, John joined the PRS Members’ Fund as a Trustee in 2026. He also holds board position at IMPEL and is the founder/chair of the PRS Dance Music Committee.

Pete Woodroffe is a highly successful songwriter and producer, perhaps best known for his long-standing collaboration with Def Leppard. A veteran of the PRS Members’ Council, Pete was re-elected for a second term in 2024 and has served as a Trustee for the Fund since early 2024. He brings a wealth of technical and creative expertise to the board, alongside a fierce dedication to protecting the intellectual property rights and livelihoods of composers across all genres.

A legendary lyricist with a career spanning over 60 years, Don is famous for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber and his iconic James Bond theme songs, including Thunderball and Diamonds Are Forever. An Oscar and Tony Award winner, he has been a steadfast patron of the Fund, using his platform to advocate for the financial security and welfare of fellow songwriters and composers facing hardship.

One of the UK’s most successful modern songwriters, Wayne has penned over 30 number-one hits for global stars like One Direction and Nicki Minaj. He became a patron in 2018, driven by a desire to give back to the community that supported his early career. He actively promotes the Fund’s “safety net” services, ensuring younger creators are aware of the mental health and financial support available.

A celebrated pianist, bandleader, and broadcaster, Jools has been a central figure in the UK music scene for decades. Through his work on Later… with Jools Holland, he has championed countless artists. As a long-standing patron, he supports the Fund’s efforts to provide emergency relief and affordable housing for older creators, ensuring that the legacy of British music is preserved through the welfare of its creators.

Best known as the lead guitarist of Queen, Sir Brian is also a prolific songwriter and composer of hits like We Will Rock You. Beyond his musical achievements, he is a dedicated philanthropist. As a patron of the PRS Members’ Fund, he lends his global influence to support the charity’s mission of providing holistic care—including housing and health assistance—to those in the music industry during their times of greatest need.

The voice of M People, Heather Small is a multi-platinum-selling artist known for anthems like Moving on Up and Proud. Her career is defined by themes of resilience and empowerment, which align perfectly with the Fund’s goal of helping members “find their voice” again after a crisis. As a patron, she supports the charity’s wellbeing and mental health initiatives for music creators and their families.

Known as the “Queen of Lovers Rock,” Carroll is a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter whose seminal album Hopelessly in Love defined a genre. Beyond her massive commercial success and work with artists like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, she is a dedicated advocate for artist welfare. As a patron of the Fund, she focuses on promoting mental health awareness and financial resilience within the creative community, ensuring that heritage artists and new creators alike have access to the charity’s vital safety net.

A virtuoso keyboardist and composer, Rick is renowned for his work with Yes and his prolific solo career, including The Six Wives of Henry VIII. He is a passionate advocate for the financial and physical welfare of musicians, frequently highlighting the importance of the charity’s support network for those whose careers have been impacted by age or ill health.

As a multi-award-winning composer and pianist, Errollyn has broken boundaries in classical and contemporary music, famously becoming the first Black woman to have a work performed at the BBC Proms. Her appointment as a patron reflects the Fund’s commitment to supporting a diverse range of creators. She focuses on promoting the charity’s mental health resources and ensuring that composers from all backgrounds have access to essential hardship grants during difficult career transitions.

A pioneer of electronic music, Martyn co-founded The Human League and Heaven 17 and is a world-renowned producer for stars like Tina Turner. He is a vocal campaigner for creators’ rights and the fair treatment of musicians in the digital age. As a patron since 2018, he uses his platform and Electronically Yours podcast to highlight the Fund’s welfare services. Martyn is particularly passionate about the Fund’s InTune wellbeing platform and its mission to provide holistic support to songwriters facing modern industry pressures.