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IFPI Names Victoria Oakley as CEO

Oakley succeeds Frances Moore, who retired in December 2023 after leading the trade body since 2010.

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI

Courtesy of IFPI

Victoria Oakley is the new CEO of IFPI.

Oakley will join the international labels trade association this June from global strategic communications and advocacy consultancy Portland, where she currently serves as CEO.

The incoming chief executive has deep, international experience, having logged almost two decades in the British Diplomatic Service, with roles in London, Paris, Brussels, Washington D.C. and the Eastern Caribbean, where she was High Commissioner until 2016.


Later, she spent three years at Portland, then joined Google as global public policy director. Oakley returned to Portland in 2022 in the role as CEO, leading a 300-strong team of strategic communications and public affairs professionals across London, Doha, Singapore, Nairobi, Paris, Berlin and Brussels.

In her new leadership position, Oakley will coordinate with the Federation’s national group network as it continues its work in promoting and advocating for the value of recorded music and the rights of its 8,000 record company members, including the three major labels.

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“I’m pleased that Vikki is joining the IFPI during this dynamic time for the music industry,” comments Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group. “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.”

Oakley, adds Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group, “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.”

Says Rob Stringer, chairman, Sony Music Group: “Her decades of expertise combined with strong relationships around the world, will help us ensure music is recognized for the value it deserves and artists are always put first.”

Oakley succeeds Frances Moore, who retired in December 2023 after leading the trade body since 2010. John Nolan, chief financial officer, and Lauri Rechardt, chief legal officer, will continue to act as joint heads of IFPI until Oakley’s arrival, reads a statement from the organization.

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This article was first published by Billboard U.S.

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Stevie Wonder Cancels House Full of Toys Benefit Concert: ‘Big Idea, Little Time’
Wonder Productions, Inc., Photo by Darius L. Carter

Stevie Wonder

Rb Hip Hop

Stevie Wonder Cancels House Full of Toys Benefit Concert: ‘Big Idea, Little Time’

Slated to perform Dec. 18-21 at L.A.'s Fonda Theatre, the Grammy winner will give "a substantial donation for the children" instead.

To celebrate the 26th edition of his House Full of Toys holiday benefit concert, Stevie Wonder said in a promo video that he was “switching things up.” Instead of performing for one night, the 25-time Grammy-winning legend would perform across four nights — Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 21 — at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, however, Wonder is canceling his “big idea” owing to “little time” — with plans to present the benefit concert again next year.

In a statement Wonder read on his L.A. radio station KJLH, he explained, “A week and a half ago I came up with the idea of doing four nights at the Fonda Theatre to raise money for House Full of Toys. Big idea. Little time. So because of that little time, I’ve decided to cancel all four shows. Yet still I will this year put my money where my heart is by giving a substantial donation for the children for House Full of Toys. And next year, we will again do House Full of Toys with the big idea and enough time to put it together.”

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