Dr. Richard James Burgess

Dr Richard James Burgess has worked across the music industry including as producer on Spandau Ballet’s first two albums

Photo: PPL

Changing Faces

Former Spandau Ballet producer joins music royalties body

Arts Professional
2 min read

Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) has appointed Dr RICHARD JAMES BURGESS as chair from January 2026, succeeding JOHN SMITH, who has led the rights royalty collecting organisation for the past decade.

Since 2016, Burgess has served as president and CEO of American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) while also holding board positions at organisations including US digital royalties collective rights organisation, SoundExchange, Copyright Alliance, and musicFIRST, a coalition advocating for recorded music creators’ rights.

Previously, he headed up business operations at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and has experience running an independent label, booking agency and management company, as well as being a producer, including for Spandau Ballet’s first two albums.

CEO PETER LEATHEM OBE, said Burgess brings “a strong vision” and “track record of balancing innovation with institutional stability” along with “deep personal experience” across the roles the organisation’s members hold.

“I am confident he will be a huge asset to the board and the company as we pursue our ambition of being the first choice globally for neighbouring rights royalty collections,” he said.

Burgess said he was “hounered” to be following in Smith’s footsteps “guiding the next chapter” of PPL’s growth and “ensuring its continued strength and relevance in today’s rapidly evolving global music ecosystem”.

“PPL’s mission to make sure that performers and recording rightsholders are fairly rewarded has long resonated with my own career trajectory, and I look forward to bringing my passion for championing artist-centric governance, transparency and diversity to such a wonderful organisation,” said Burgess.