PRS Foundation announces new Chief Executive

We are delighted to announce that Joe Frankland has been appointed as our new Chief Executive.

Joe Frankland joined PRS Foundation in 2014 as Industry Fund Manager to run flagship schemes including the Momentum Music Fund and the International Showcase Fund before moving into his current role as the Senior Grants & Programmes Manager in 2015, where he has been leading the Foundation’s grants team and working strategically to plan and manage pioneering grant-making and partnership programmes. During that time, PRS Foundation has experienced record levels of demand, responding to the needs of music creators through timely investment in exceptional talent from all backgrounds.

Frankland previously worked at the forefront of talent development, helping to break artists and build careers at Generator in the North East, and is passionate about supporting organisations across the UK.

Joe Frankland said, “I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been offered the role of PRS Foundation Chief Executive. I am proud to work with such an enthusiastic team and board and look forward to collaborating with partners and the industry to support the UK’s most exciting music creators and pioneering organisations.

Our support of talent from all backgrounds is vital and in the coming years we will build upon Vanessa Reed’s amazing achievements, with a proactive and accessible approach to ensure maximum reach and impact.”

PRS Foundation Chair and Managing Director of Bucks Music Group, Simon Platz said, “We are delighted to appoint Joe as the new Chief Executive for PRS Foundation. Joe’s years of experience delivering targeted support and developing talent will be a huge asset as he leads the Foundation into its third decade.

I’d also like to thank once again Vanessa Reed for her huge contribution leading the organisation over the past 11 years and wish her all the best in the new role in New York.”

Outgoing CEO Vanessa Reed said “I’m absolutely delighted that Joe Frankland, who’s been heading up our grants and programmes for the past 5 years, will be the next CEO of PRS Foundation. His deep understanding of music creator development alongside his extensive networks and commitment to collaboration has already earned him huge respect across the industry and within our organisation. I have no doubt that he’ll do an excellent job leading the Foundation into its third decade and beyond.”

Joe will officially take up his new role as Chief Executive on 22 July 2019.