MMF's New Leadership: Niamh Byrne and Jill Hollywood Take the Helm

Across the bustling landscape of the UK music industry, a seismic shift has taken place at the Music Managers Forum (MMF), and it seems like the universe has decided we need a pinch of humor with our governance. Enter Niamh Byrne, co-founder of Eleven Management, and Jill Hollywood, the mastermind behind Echo Beach Management, as our new Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. They’re stepping into the spotlight with all the grace of a well-rehearsed rock band, following the exit of Paul Craig and Kwame Kwaten, who handled their six-year stints with the poise of seasoned pros.

After last week's AGM, Paul and Kwame have tossed their hats into the MMF Custodians Council ring, bringing along fellow luminaries like Adam Tudhope from Everybody’s and Rob Swerdlow from Starwood Management. It appears the only thing more permanent than a politician is a good music manager transitioning to counsel status.

Niamh Byrne, who co-founded Eleven Management back in 2011 with Régine Moylett, has quite the resume. She’s not just tagging along with the likes of Damon Albarn and Gorillaz; she’s been the driving force behind much of their success. Byrne’s penchant for picking out fresh talent reminds us that the music world is not just for the seasoned veterans; it’s a vibrant stage where new faces often outshine the old stars. Who else can boast about working with artists ranging from The Clash to the modern-day gems like Riz Ahmed and Bastille?

Before her time at Eleven, Byrne logged 15 years nurturing artists like blur and Elastica, eventually branching out into her own consultancy, The Engine Room. Yes, while you were sipping coffee and scrolling on your phone, she was busy reshaping the music landscape during her tenure at Universal Music UK, orchestrating campaigns like Music Matters and giving the BRIT Awards a makeover that included input from iconic figures—Dame Vivienne Westwood, anyone?

Now, let’s not forget Jill Hollywood, a force in her own right. Described as “one of the UK’s leading producer/writer managers” by the MMF, she’s been passionately advocating for the industry’s betterment. After a fruitful decade at Big Life Management, where she rubbed elbows with talents like Youth and Jacknife Lee, she set out to create Echo Beach Management in 2016. It’s the perfect place for nurturing both seasoned talent and promising newcomers alike, and her diverse roster proves that the music industry is more than just a passing fad.

As Clare Wright steps down—because why juggle two demanding roles when you can just focus on one?—Theory Management’s Hide Whone joins the board. With more than 20 years under his belt, Whone brings in a fresh breeze, representing acts like Biig Piig and KAWALA, not to mention his active role in the ESEA community group. He’s got the experience, and more importantly, the right spirit to bridge gaps in this ever-evolving landscape.

“There are many challenges ahead, but I firmly believe the MMF will become ever more important in forging a more equitable industry,” says Byrne, sounding less like a new chair and more like the wise sage of some ancient council. It’s clear she’s ready to tackle the multifaceted responsibilities that come with guiding a collective of inventive managers through the swirling currents of change.

Meanwhile, Hollywood humbly chimed in, “It’s an incredible honor to be asked to stand as Vice Chair.” Her sentiment encapsulates what many in the industry feel; an unwavering commitment to advocate for music creators in all dimensions—both in policy and practice.

As the Chief Executive of the MMF, Annabella Coldrick describes Byrne and Hollywood enthusiastically, “Niamh and Jill are two of the UK’s most respected music managers.” She’s excited, and why shouldn’t she be? With a duo like this at the helm, it feels like a fresh chapter is about to unfold—a chapter filled with innovation, community, and perhaps, a few unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll stories along the way.