PRS for Music has named Ben McOwen Wilson, a former senior executive at Google and YouTube, as its new chief executive officer. He will assume the post on 12 October.
McOwen Wilson succeeds Andrea Czapary Martin, who announced her departure in March after leading the organisation since 2019. The PRS Members’ Council selected him following a global executive search.
Career spanning media, technology and policy
McOwen Wilson joins the society from Google Play, where he served as managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa from September 2022. Prior to that, he spent more than ten years at YouTube, overseeing business operations across the same region.
His earlier roles include chief executive of UEFA New Media and managing director at UK broadcaster ITV. He has also contributed to UK government work on intellectual property, innovation and growth through the Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Federation.
Leadership priorities
Julian Nott, chair of the PRS Members’ Council, said the organisation must continue to champion the rights of songwriters, composers and publishers while embracing innovation. “Songwriters, composers and publishers need a society working tirelessly to champion them and their rights,” Nott said. “A society which embraces innovation and has the confidence to shape the future, not simply respond to it.”
Nott added that McOwen Wilson’s background equips him to steer the society through ongoing shifts in music and media. “Ben is an outstanding leader with all the skills necessary to guide PRS for Music through the many changes in the music industry and the wider media market,” he said. “He understands the technologies that are transforming the creative industries, but he also understands that innovation only succeeds if it works for the creators.”
Protecting creators in an AI era
McOwen Wilson identified the protection of human creativity as his most urgent priority, particularly as the industry grapples with artificial intelligence and accelerating digital distribution. “PRS for Music is built on trust, transparency, and a relentless commitment to its members. It is a privilege to lead this organisation at a time when the voice of the creator must be louder than ever,” he said. “In the age of AI and accelerated digital distribution, protecting the integrity and value of human creativity is our most urgent priority.”
He added that his focus would be on ensuring the society acts as a catalyst for its members’ success within a sustainable and growing global music ecosystem. His first step, he said, will be to listen and learn from members, customers and partners before shaping an ambitious future for the organisation.
Operating context
The leadership change arrives as PRS for Music continues to address digital-sector challenges, including debates around AI and copyright. The organisation has been active in UK government discussions on creator rights and, in March, initiated legal proceedings against Valve Corporation, alleging that the Steam platform has used members’ music without a licence since 2003.
In 2025, PRS for Music distributed a record £1.07 billion (US$1.41 billion) to songwriters, composers and publishers, a 4.9% year-on-year increase. It was the second consecutive year that payouts exceeded £1 billion, while total royalty collections reached £1.24 billion. The society represents more than 190,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.
