Sharkey steps down from UK Music

Feargal Sharkey has announced that he is to stand down as CEO of industry umbrella group UK Music.

The former singer in The Undertones was instrumental in creating the group as a means of industry trade organisations collectively discussing key issues and lobbying the Government for change.

Their main campaigns have involved pressing the Government for changes in live music legislation, the proposal of an equality and diversity charter for the music industry and putting regional agencies at the centre of future music development.

During Sharkey’s time at the helm, UK Music have also published research on the huge contribution that live music makes to tourism in the country and the ‘liberating creativity’ strategy report outlining the response to challenges faced by the music industry including piracy.

Feargal Sharkey said: "UK Music has been one of the greatest adventures of my life and I leave now so I might continue on other journeys. While there will be many memories above all I shall never forget what a honour and a privilege it has been to have worked with such a dedicated, creative and professional team of staff, without whom, so much simply would not have been possible".

Senior Policy Advisor Jo Dipple will lead the organisation until a new UK Music CEO is recruited.