FORMER EMI PRESIDENT BECOMES CHAIRMAN OF MBF

www.mbf.org.uk

Richard Lyttelton, former President of EMI Classics and Jazz, has succeeded Christopher Yates as Chairman of the Musicians Benevolent Fund.

Richard Lyttelton says: ‘I am extremely honoured to have been invited to become the MBF’s new Chairman.  As someone who has enjoyed a long career in the music industry, it is a real privilege now to be afforded an opportunity to do something to repay in small part, those whose talents have not only given me so much enjoyment but have also afforded me my own livelihood. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Chris Yates, whose commitment and hard work over many years has already done so much to benefit the musical life of the UK and Ireland and I look forward with great enthusiasm and no little apprehension to meeting the challenges that lie ahead’.

Christopher Yates, outgoing Chairman of the MBF, says: ‘As I bow out after sixteen years involvement with the MBF, firstly as a member then Chairman of the Education Committee, and latterly as Chairman of the Trustees, I am delighted to hand over to a strong and able successor who possesses all the qualities needed to lead the organisation through any future challenges. It has been a pleasure and a  privilege to serve such a committed and caring organisation and I will watch future developments with great interest!’

Richard Lyttelton began his career at EMI as a management trainee in 1968. After completing the nine month programme he set up his own leisure company which he then sold to EMI in 1974 and rejoined the company.  Lyttelton held various positions with EMI including Director of International Operations for EMI Records UK, Managing Director of EMI’s businesses in South Africa and Finland and President of Capitol Records – EMI in Canada. He became President of EMI Classics and Jazz in 1988 and has worked with many of the world’s most outstanding classical and jazz artists. He retired from EMI in 2006 and is currently a Council Member of the Royal Albert Hall, Chairman of English Touring Opera and a Director of Artis Education.

For further press information please contact:
Rosalind Parry, MBF, 16 Ogle Street, London W1W 6JA.
Tel: 020 7299 8352, E-mail: rparry@mbf.org.uk