PRS for Music appoints Ben McOwen Wilson as new CEO

McOwen Wilson succeeds Andrea Czapary Martin, who announced in March that she would step down after serving as the organisation’s CEO since 2019. He was selected by the PRS Members’ Council following an international search.

He most recently served as managing director, EMEA, for Google Play, a position he took up in September 2022. Before joining Google Play, McOwen Wilson spent more than a decade at YouTube, where he led the platform's business operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

His previous roles include chief executive of UEFA New Media and managing director at UK broadcaster ITV. He has also worked with the UK government through the Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Federation on issues including intellectual property, innovation and growth.

Julian Nott, chair of the PRS Members’ Council, said the organisation needed to embrace innovation while continuing to advocate for the rights of songwriters, composers and publishers.

“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.”

He added that McOwen Wilson had the experience required to lead the organisation through changes affecting the music and wider media industries.

“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,” Nott 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.”

McOwen Wilson said he would prioritise protecting creators' interests as the industry responds to artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid changes in 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.”

McOwen Wilson added that his focus would be on ensuring that creators remained central to the organisation’s work.

“My focus will be on ensuring PRS serves as a catalyst for our members’ success, ensuring they remain at the centre of a sustainable and growing global music ecosystem,” he said.

He also said his initial priority would be to engage with the organisation’s stakeholders.

“My first priority will be to listen and learn,” McOwen Wilson said. “To understand the needs of members, customers, and partners, and with them shape an ambitious future for the society.”

The appointment comes as PRS for Music continues to navigate changes in the digital music sector, including debates over AI and copyright. The organisation has engaged with the UK government on creator rights and launched legal proceedings against Valve Corporation in March, alleging that its Steam platform has used members' music without a licence since 2003.

PRS for Music distributed a record £1.07 billion (US$1.41 billion) to songwriters, composers and publishers in 2025, a 4.9% increase from the previous year. The organisation said the figure marked the second consecutive year in which distributions exceeded £1 billion, while royalty collections reached £1.24 billion.

The society represents more than 190,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.