Max SteventonMusic Venue Trust (MVT) has appointed Chris Hurne as its new head of external affairs.
Based in London, Hurne will lead the organisation’s external affairs activity, focusing on engagement with government, policymakers, industry stakeholders and partners as MVT continues its work supporting the UK’s grassroots music venue sector.
Hurne joins MVT after working across a range of government departments in roles covering creative industries, international trade, science and innovation, and policy development.
Most recently, he worked at the Department for Business and Trade, where he led engagement with the Creative & Media, Sport & Leisure sectors, supporting investment, trade and growth initiatives.
Before that, Hurne was the UK Government’s lead specialist for music and games at the Department for International Trade. In that role, he managed relationships with industry organisations and oversaw programmes supporting UK creative businesses internationally, including the Music Export Growth Scheme and International Showcase Fund. He also led projects linked to international events including SXSW, MIDEM, The Great Escape and Gamescom.
MVT said Hurne’s appointment forms part of its ongoing work to strengthen engagement with government and industry as it continues to advocate for grassroots music venues across the UK.
“Chris brings a deep understanding of how government works, how policy is developed, and how meaningful relationships between industry and decision-makers are built,” said MVT COO Beverley Whitrick. “His experience supporting the growth of the UK’s creative industries, combined with his knowledge of the music sector, makes him a valuable addition to our work.“
Hurne said, “Having spent much of my career supporting the UK’s creative sectors, I know how important a strong and sustainable ecosystem is. I’m looking forward to working with government, industry partners and the wider music community to champion these spaces and help secure their future.”