The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has appointed Charlie Phillips to lead the network’s operations as COO.
He will have a tough act to follow: Alison Wenham led WIN as chief executive for 12 years and won some big battles with digital giants and also the majors over the sharing of Spotify equity windfalls with distributed indie labels.
Stepping up from his previous role as director of legal and business affairs, Phillips will manage day-to-day operations and maintain WIN’s commitment to assisting its network of international trade bodies.
Phillips will also continue to lead the sector’s work on international performance rights, representing independent rights holders in various international industry forums and initiatives.
He will report directly to the organisation’s newly-elected chair, Justin West of Secret City Records in Canada, with supervision from WIN’s board of directors.
His promotion comes as WIN is poised for expansion during a time of growth for music markets throughout the world.
Phillips has worked for WIN since 2011 and helped the network establish its global membership.
Prior to joining WIN, he was head of legal and commercial affairs at AIM. Phillips’ legal career has spanned a broad range of areas of the digital music and creative industries, including a position as legal advisor for recordings industry body IFPI. His particular areas of expertise cover international performance rights licensing, as well as the interaction between music rights and data.
Our global network of independent associations has already more than proved its worth in supporting independent labels
Charlie Phillips
Phillips said: “I am delighted to step up to the role of COO of WIN, and to have been given the opportunity to take WIN forward into this exciting new phase. In recent years, our global network of independent associations has already more than proved its worth in supporting independent labels and their artists to achieve success. I look forward to building on this success, and taking WIN to the next stage of its mission to deliver real benefit to the international independent sector.”
West added: “A strong global network of independent trade associations is fundamental to confronting anti-competitive behaviour, maintaining a level-playing field for indies, and fighting for fair and transparent policies across our sector. Charlie has always been a great advocate for the independent community and, with both his experience and expertise, brings the right set of skills to run WIN and carry-out its mission. It’s exciting to see him step into this role and move the organization forward.”
WIN has member associations across Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia and Australasia.
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