Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, has been revealed as this year’s recipient of the Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS).
Moot is being recognised for “distinguished 30-plus year career defined by creative vision, a ‘songwriter-first’ philosophy, and a lifelong commitment to music’s power to educate, heal, and transform lives,” said a statement.
The award will be presented to Moot on Monday, November 9 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in support of two UK music charities: The BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins.
The MITS honours individuals who have made a significant impact on the music industry while continuing to champion its future. Moot is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in the music industry globally.
Moot began his career in the music industry working in record shops before moving into A&R roles in 1984 at ATV Music and Chrysalis Records. In 1987, he joined SBK Music Publishing, which merged with EMI Music Publishing.
Rising through the ranks at EMI, Moot was appointed EVP of A&R for the UK and Europe in 2003. He went on to become UK managing director and president of European creative in 2005. Under his leadership, EMI was named Music Week Publisher Of The Year for 14 consecutive years.
During this era, he signed and worked with artists including Amy Winehouse, Anne-Marie, Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, Jamiroquai, Jorja Smith, Lana Del Rey, Mark Ronson, Paul Epworth, Salaam Remi, Scissor Sisters and Sean Paul.
In 2012, Moot played a key role in leading the Sony and EMI merger in Europe. He was named president of worldwide creative in 2017. When Sony completed its full acquisition of EMI in 2018, he continued in this role, overseeing signings including Arcade Fire, Charli XCX, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Sia and Stargate.
In 2019, Moot was appointed co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music. Under his leadership, and alongside co-chair and COO Carianne Marshall, the company has doubled the size of the business, as well as outperforming market growth.
Since then, WCM has signed and retained both established and emerging artists, songwriters, and producers, including Amy Allen, Anderson Paak, Cardi B, Celeste, Coco Jones, Dua Lipa, Laufey, Lizzo, Raye, Rosé, Saweetie, Stromae, Teddy Swims and Zach Bryan, as well as iconic legends and their catalogues, among them David Bowie, George Michael, Madonna, Quincy Jones and Tom Petty.
Ahead of the award ceremony, Moot visited The BRIT School in Croydon to meet students and hear first-hand how music education is shaping the next generation of creators. He will also visit Nordoff & Robbins, whose work demonstrates the impact music can have on people facing illness, disability, and isolation.
To be the first publisher to receive the MITS Award is a real honour, and one that I hope serves as a celebration of songwriters and the extraordinary value of their music
Guy Moot
Guy Moot said: “To be the first publisher to receive the MITS Award is a real honour, and one that I hope serves as a celebration of songwriters and the extraordinary value of their music. I’ve spent my whole life championing creators and finding the next generation of talent who deserve a pathway in.
“The BRIT Trust has a proven track record of building careers and opening doors for young people who might never otherwise get the chance. And Nordoff & Robbins reminds us why music matters in the first place – its profound ability to reach people in a way that nothing else can. I'm proud to support both, and humbled to receive this recognition."
Toby Leighton-Pope, co-chair of the MITS Award Committee, added: “Few people in our industry have had a career as extensive and influential as Guy’s. His impact reaches far beyond the UK, making this year’s recognition especially significant. From his early days in a record store to becoming one of the industry’s most senior executives, his commitment to music has never wavered, matched by a depth of experience that truly sets him apart. Congratulations to Guy on this well-deserved MITS Award and on an exceptional career to date.”
Dan Chalmers, co-chair of the MITS Award Committee, said: “Guy has long been a steadfast champion of songwriters, something that remains vitally important in today’s music landscape. His commitment to integrity and core values has helped shape the careers of many of the industry’s most respected artists. Guy is a hugely popular figure across the business, and we are delighted to honour him as a MITS Award recipient for 2026, an accolade he so clearly deserves.”
Guy Moot will join the ranks of previous MITS recipients including Annie Lennox OBE, Kylie Minogue, Rob Stringer CBE, Emma Banks, Sir Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Sir Lucian Grainge, Michael Eavis CBE, Pete Tong MBE, Roger Daltrey CBE, Jamal Edwards MBE, Lucy Dickins, Jason Iley MBE and last year’s recipient Ashley-Tabor-King CBE.
Celebrating its 34th edition this year, The MITS Award is sponsored by Legends Global, PPL, SJM Concerts and YouTube.
Read our Music Week Interview with Guy Moot here.
PHOTO: Jonathan Weiner
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