Warner Chappell Music (WCM) chair and CEO Guy Moot was presented with the Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) by Mark Ronson at last night's ceremony in London.
The event, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in support of The BRIT Trust and Nordoff And Robbins, recognised Moot's 30+ year career, with the executive becoming the first ever music publisher to receive the accolade.
Ronson recalled on stage how Moot had introduced him to Amy Winehouse before they went on to create Back To Black.
“You sent a generational talent and one of your prize pupils to the studio of some unproven producer that you had a little faith in, so thank you," he said.
Everything we do begins with a song, and none of it exists without the people who write them
Guy Moot, Warner Chappell Music
In his acceptance speech, Moot said: “To be the first music publisher to receive the MITS is an enormous honour, but this award isn't really about me. It belongs to the songwriters I have the privilege of working with every day, to my brilliant colleagues, and to my family, who are with me every step of the way.
"Everything we do begins with a song, and none of it exists without the people who write them. Nordoff And Robbins and The BRIT School remind us what music can do: it heals, it connects, and it changes lives. Great music can come from anywhere, and it's on all of us to keep the door open for the next generation.”
Tribute videos brought together messages from Moot’s peers, colleagues, family and fellow artists, as well as an unexpected appearance from former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. Contributors included Benson Boone, James Blunt, Jon Platt, Laufey, Lizzo, Max Lousada, Robert Kyncl, Salaam Remi, Sam Smith, Shani Gonzales, Stargate, Val Blavatnik and football legend Ian Wright.
Hosted by Doc Brown, the night also saw live performances from Florence Road, Amy Allen & John Ryan and Tinie Tempah, who wrapped up proceedings with a hits medley.
During the first live auction, a guitar signed by some of the world’s biggest country stars sold for £10,000 after Jimmy Page added his signature there and then.
Guests in the room included Page, Sonique, Louise Redknapp, Celeste, CKTRL and Liam Fray of Courteeners.
Moot began his career in the music industry working in record shops before moving into A&R roles in 1984 at ATV Music and Chrysalis Records. In 1987, he joined SBK Music Publishing, which merged with EMI Music Publishing.
Rising through the ranks at EMI, Moot was appointed EVP of A&R for the UK and Europe in 2003. He went on to become UK managing director and president of European creative in 2005. Under his leadership, EMI was named Music Week Publisher Of The Year for 14 consecutive years.
During this era, he signed and worked with artists including Amy Winehouse, Anne-Marie, Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, Jamiroquai, Jorja Smith, Lana Del Rey, Mark Ronson, Paul Epworth, Salaam Remi, Scissor Sisters and Sean Paul.
In 2012, Moot played a key role in leading the Sony and EMI merger in Europe. He was named president of worldwide creative in 2017. When Sony completed its full acquisition of EMI in 2018, he continued in this role, overseeing signings including Arcade Fire, Charli XCX, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Sia and Stargate.
In 2019, Moot was appointed co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music. Under his leadership, and alongside co-chair and COO Carianne Marshall, the company has doubled the size of the business, as well as outperforming market growth.
Since then, WCM has signed and retained both established and emerging artists, songwriters, and producers, including Amy Allen, Anderson Paak, Cardi B, Celeste, Coco Jones, Dua Lipa, Laufey, Lizzo, Raye, Rosé, Saweetie, Stromae, Teddy Swims and Zach Bryan, as well as iconic legends and their catalogues, among them David Bowie, George Michael, Madonna, Quincy Jones and Tom Petty.
Moot joins previous MITS recipients 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, and Roger Daltrey CBE, Jamal Edwards MBE, Lucy Dickins, Jason Iley MBE and last year’s recipient Ashley-Tabor-King CBE.
Celebrating its 34th edition this year, the MITS Award is sponsored by Legends Global, PPL, SJM Concerts and YouTube.
PHOTO: John Marshall, JM Enternational
