Music Venue Trust (MVT) has announced updates about its senior leadership team as it enters its next phase of growth.
The news comes as the charity completes a multi-year programme to build a management structure that will support its long-term sustainability and ensure that it continues to protect, champion and invest in the UK's grassroots music venue network.
Toni Coe-Brooker and Rebecca Walker have both been promoted into departmental leadership roles after joining MVT in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Coe-Brooker is campaigns & communications manager, while Walker is now live projects manager.
Chris Hurne, head of external affairs, and Adrian Norman, financial controller, joined the senior management team earlier this year
Also on the senior management team with MVT founder & CEO Mark Davyd and COO Beverley Whitrick is Sophie Asquith, venue support manager, and Denzil Thomas, partnerships manager.
The appointments complete a wider organisational development programme that has established a 21-strong team across four departments, providing expertise in venue support, fundraising, partnerships, campaigns, communications, live project delivery and finance.
During 2026, the charity has launched its Investment Projects programme, staged the nationwide Everywhere At Once festival, helped secure Government recognition of grassroots music venues through both the Music Plan and the Music Growth Package, and successfully campaigned for a further 20% reduction in business rates for grassroots music venues.
Together, this leadership team ensures we're stronger, more resilient and better equipped
Mark Davyd
Chris Prosser and Jane Beese, co-chairs, MVT board, said in a joint statement: “Over the past 12 years, Music Venue Trust has transformed the conversation around grassroots music venues, championing their cultural and economic importance while delivering tangible support to the sector. The progress made has only been possible because of the passion and commitment of an exceptional team. As trustees, one of our key priorities has been ensuring that the charity itself is built on strong, sustainable foundations.
“With a highly experienced senior management team now in place, delivering a robust succession plan, we are confident that MVT is entering its next chapter with the expertise, resilience and leadership needed to continue protecting, strengthening and advocating for the UK’s grassroots music venue network for many years to come.”
Mark Davyd added: "Music Venue Trust has never been about one individual. Everything we've achieved over the past 12 years has come from building an exceptional team with the expertise and commitment to fight for grassroots music venues every day.
"I am incredibly proud to see colleagues like Toni and Rebecca step into senior leadership roles, alongside Chris and Adrian bringing new expertise into the organisation. Together, this leadership team ensures we're stronger, more resilient and better equipped than ever to support the UK's grassroots music venue community for many years to come.”
