Gurr named Scottish Music Industry Association CEO

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has appointed RONNIE GURR as its new Chief Executive Officer.

He will lead the organisation’s executive team and work with its board to support and develop Scottish artists and industry professionals as they emerge from the pandemic.

Gurr has over 50 years of experience in the music industry. He has worked as a music consultant and journalist, as well as at several major record labels. At Virgin Records, where he joined as a press officer in 1982, he orchestrated the launch of Boy George and Culture Club. 

He went on to work as A&R Director of Sony Music’s Columbia label before being re-recruited by Richard Branson to oversee the formation of his V2 record label, where he signed the Stereophonics. 

His other previous roles include sitting on the Scottish Arts Council's Performing Arts Committee, The British Council’s Creative Industries Advisory Committee and the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Contemporary Music. He was also member of Creative Scotland's Music Reference Group. 

“I look forward to helping shape our future activities and to working with both artists and colleagues across all of Scotland’s music businesses to assist collective progress and growth in challenging times,” Gurr said.