IFPI names Victoria Oakley as new CEO

Oakley’s appointment succeeds Frances Moore’s retirement in December, who had led the organisation since 2010. Moore’s association with the IFPI began in 1994 when she served as regional director for Europe.

Oakley, currently serving as CEO at global strategic communications and advocacy consultancy Portland, will transition to her new role in June.

In the meantime, IFPI chief financial officer John Nolan and chief legal officer Lauri Rechardt will continue to act as joint heads of the organisation.

In her new role, Oakley will oversee the organisation’s worldwide operations, collaborating with its national group network. Her primary focus will be on advocating for the value of recorded music and safeguarding the rights of its 8 000 record company members spanning 70 countries globally.

“I’m delighted to be joining the IFPI and leading the global team as it continues its work to create the best possible environment for music worldwide,” Oakley said. “The sector is once again experiencing a period of rapid evolution with new technology creating both exciting opportunities and new challenges. We must continue to stand up for the rights of those creating and investing in music in order to secure its incredibly exciting future.”

Oakley brings extensive experience to her new position, having spent nearly 20 years in the British Diplomatic Service, serving in various capacities in London, Paris, Brussels, Washington, DC, and the Eastern Caribbean, where she held the position of high commissioner until 2016. Afterwards, she spent three years at Portland before transitioning to Google as its global public policy director. In 2022, she returned to Portland to assume the CEO role, where she led a team of more than 300 strategic communications and public affairs professionals across multiple global locations, including London, Doha, Singapore, Nairobi, Paris, Berlin and Brussels.

“I’m pleased that Vikki is joining the IFPI during this dynamic time for the music industry,” Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said. “Vikki brings the right skills and experience to help the global industry tackle important issues and opportunities collaboratively and with a fresh vision. We look forward to working with her.”

Sony Music Group chairman Rob Stringer CBE added: “We are delighted that Vikki will be representing our global industry at a time of great change and transformation. Her decades of expertise combined with strong relationships around the world will help us ensure music is recognised for the value it deserves and artists are always put first.”

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl said: “As our industry rapidly evolves, it’s vital we continue to build an environment where investment in talent thrives, and technology helps creativity flourish. Vikki is a great choice to help lead the global campaign for the rights of artists and those who back them, and I’m excited she’s bringing her expertise and experience to IFPI.”

In March, the IFPI published its 2024 Global Music Report, revealing a 10.2% increase in global recorded music revenues in 2023. Led by a surge in paid streaming subscribers, sub-Saharan Africa continued its dominance for a second year with 24.7% growth, while South Africa, the region’s largest market, expanded by 19.9%, contributing 77% of regional revenues.