Ashley Tabor-King CBE, founder & executive president of Global Media & Entertainment group, will receive this year’s Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS).
The award is in recognition of a two-decade career that has “changed the face of the British music industry and broadcasting”, according to a statement.
“Ashley has been a driving force behind the transformation of commercial radio, the growth of Global’s music and entertainment businesses, and a passionate supporter of British music and talent,” added the statement.
The Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the UK music industry. As well as his entrepreneurial vision and industry influence, Ashley Tabor-King is recognised for his commitment to nurturing talent.
The MITS Award will be presented on Monday, November 3 at The Grosvenor House Hotel, in support of the BRIT Trust and music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins. This year, the MITS will also recognise Global Academy alongside the BRIT School and Nordoff & Robbins.
Tabor-King founded Global in 2007 and has since grown it into one of the world’s leading media & entertainment groups and the largest commercial radio and outdoor advertising company in Europe.
He has overseen the growth of Global’s radio brands including Capital, Heart, Capital Xtra, Classic FM, Radio X, Smooth, Gold Radio and LBC, alongside the Global Player app and a slate of podcasts.
On-air, on Global Player and with its outdoor platforms combined, Global reaches 51 million individuals across the UK every week, including 29m on the radio alone, helping to break new artists, support the live sector and bring music to audiences across the country.
Global has been instrumental in launching and supporting the careers of major artists such as Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Taylor Swift and Stormzy.
Capital’s annual Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Balls have become landmark live events in the UK music calendar, showcasing homegrown talent and international stars alike. This summer’s event welcomed Will Smith, Benson Boone and Mariah Carey to Wembley Stadium as its headliner, marking her first UK performance in six years.
Global is also a large shareholder in iHeart Radio in the US.
Tabor-King launched the Global Academy, a school and sixth form based in London and specialising in media, entertainment and digital communications, which gives young people from all backgrounds a direct pathway into the creative industries.
Global’s Make Some Noise raises tens of millions of pounds for small charities across the UK. The charitable efforts have extended to causes including youth opportunity, education and mental health.
Ashley has built one of the most successful entertainment groups in Europe, transforming commercial radio and creating a full-scale entertainment powerhouse
Dan Chalmers
Tabor-King was awarded an OBE in 2017, and a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in 2024 for services to media and entertainment.
Ashley Tabor-King CBE said: “I’m extremely honoured to receive the prestigious Music Industry Trust Award and am delighted that the Awards night will be supporting the important work of the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins, two extremely important charities in our industry whose work is very close to my heart. I’m also delighted and grateful to MITS for including Global Academy this year. I’m deeply humbled by this recognition and would like to thank everyone who has supported Global along the way, and of course thank you to the MITS Award committee for this great honour.”
Toby Leighton-Pope, co-chair of the MITS Award committee, said: “Ashley has redefined what a modern media business looks like. He took Global from an idea to a company that sets the pace for the entire industry. His influence is undeniable and this year’s MITS Award is a well-earned recognition. Congratulations, Ashley.”
Dan Chalmers,co-chair of the MITS Award committee, said: “Ashley has built one of the most successful entertainment groups in Europe, transforming commercial radio and creating a full-scale entertainment powerhouse. At the same time, his work has consistently opened doors, whether for artists breaking through or for young people entering the industry. He’s grown a major business without ever losing sight of what matters. That’s what makes this honour so deserved.”
Tabor-King will join the ranks of previous MITS recipients including Annie Lennox OBE, Kylie Minogue, Rob Stringer CBE, Emma Banks, Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Sir Lucian Grainge, Michael Eavis CBE, Pete Tong MBE, and Roger Daltrey CBE, Jamal Edwards MBE, Lucy Dickins and last year’s recipient Jason Iley MBE.
Celebrating its 33rd edition this year, the MITS Award is sponsored by ASM Global, PPL, SJM Concerts and YouTube.
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