Jason Iley MBE, chairman and chief executive of Sony Music UK and Ireland, will receive this year’s Music Industry Trust Award (MITS) in recognition of his contribution to the UK music industry.
Celebrating the 32nd edition this year, Iley will join the ranks of previous MITS winners including Annie Lennox OBE, Kylie Minogue, Rob Stringer CBE, Emma Banks, Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Sir Lucian Grainge, Michael Eavis CBE, Pete Tong MBE, Luo Roger Daltrey CBE, Jamal Edwards MBE and last year’s winner, live music agent Lucy Dickins.
According to today’s announcement, throughout a career spanning three decades, Ailey “has championed new talent and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music.”
The MITS Award will be presented to Ellie on Monday 4 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London, in support of two UK music charities: The Trust (a core funder of UK schools) and Music Treatment charity Nordoff & Robbins.
Iley has been chairman of Sony Music UK for 10 years, making him the longest-serving chairman in the UK company’s history.
MITS noted that since taking over, Alley has “supported artists, diversified the company, refreshed Sony Music’s lineup and led acquisitions including Ministry of Sound Records in 2016.”
Today, Iley manages a roster that includes Calvin Harris, Paloma Faith, Mark Ronson, George Ezra , Robbie Williams, Rag’n’Bone Man, and this year’s breakout artists Central Cee and Myles Smith, as well as international signings such as Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, SZA, P !NK and Foo Fighters.
Iley’s industry journey began at Epic in 1994 before moving to Universal Music, where he produced music for Amy Winehouse, Keane and Sweetheart Made important contributions to the careers of artists such as the Sugababes.
He was named President of Mercury Records and worked with legends such as Sir Elton John, JAY Z, Rihanna, Sir Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Amy Macdonald, Jake Bugg, Chase & Status and U2 who decided to follow in Iley’s footsteps Mercury Records after 27 years at Island.
In 2013, Iley was appointed President of JAY-Z’s record label Roc Nation in New York, before returning to the UK in 2014 as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, where he began his career of.
“In addition to its chart success, under Alley’s leadership, Sony Music has launched initiatives to support a new generation of senior executives in the music industry,” the MITS statement added. Initiatives include a women-focused A&R academy and a landmark childcare support program aimed at increasing the proportion of women in senior roles.
The company is also investing heavily in mental health services, creating a new role for in-house artist and director of employee wellbeing, and working with leading mental health charity Mind to deliver mandatory mental health management training for all staff.
Since 2020, Ailey has overseen the UK arm of Sony Music’s award-winning Social Justice Fund, which supports anti-racism initiatives in the UK. Under his leadership, the company has awarded £2.2 million in grants to 22 charity partners, investing in music education, supporting criminal justice reform and supporting grassroots communities.
In October 2020, Ailey was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list for services to music and charity. He also serves as Chairman of the BRIT Council, responsible for developing the BRIT Awards from 2017 to 2019.
“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this year’s MITS Award, thanks to the talented artists I have been fortunate to work with throughout my career.”
Jason Alley
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Sony Music UK and Ireland, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to highlight the important work of the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins. I’m honored to be the recipient of this year’s MITS Award, which I owe so much to Been blessed to work with talented artists throughout my career.
“His commitment to developing talent is commendable, and we are delighted to be able to recognize his achievements by awarding him the MITS Award.”
Toby Leighton-Pope, MITS
Toby Leighton-Pope, Co-Chair of the MITS Awards Committee, added: “Jason’s impact on the music industry has been extraordinary, from pushing legendary artists to the forefront to pioneering initiatives such as childcare support programs.
“His commitment to developing talent is commendable, and we are delighted to be able to recognize his achievements by awarding him the MITS Award.”
“Jason is a deserving MITS award. As the longest-serving chairman of Sony Music UK, he has been instrumental in breaking some of the UK’s greatest ever acts.
Dan Chalmers, MITS
Dan Chalmers, Co-Chair of the MITS Awards Committee, said: “Jason is a deserving MITS Award. As Sony Music UK’s longest-serving chairman, he has been responsible for breaking some of the greatest British acts of all time.
“His innovative leadership and unwavering commitment, his incredible work on the BRIT Awards and overall passion for the industry make him a truly deserving winner. Congratulations, Jason.global music business
