John Smith, general secretary of the Musicians’ Union (MU) and president of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), will become chairman of PPL from January 1, 2016

Taking on the part time position, he will succeed Fran Nevrkla OBE, who will retire at the end of 2015 following 15 years with the company.

Smith has worked with PPL in the past, playing a key part in the merger of PAMRA (Performing Artists’ Media Rights Association) and AURA (Association of United Recording ...