Max SteventonMusic Venue Trust (MVT) has expanded its senior leadership team as part of a restructuring programme designed to support the charity’s long-term operations.
The appointments follow the completion of a multi-year organisational development programme, with MVT expanding to a 21-person team across venue support, fundraising, partnerships, campaigns, communications, live projects and finance.
Joining founder and CEO Mark Davyd and COO Beverley Whitrick on the senior management team are campaigns and communications manager Toni Coe-Brooker, venue support manager Sophie Asquith, head of external affairs Chris Hurne, partnerships manager Denzil Thomas, live projects manager Rebecca Walker and financial controller Adrian Norman.
Coe-Brooker and Walker have been promoted into departmental leadership roles after joining the charity in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Hurne and Norman joined MVT earlier this year.
MVT said the expanded leadership structure is intended to support its work across advocacy, investment, funding, policy, partnerships and member services, as well as future succession planning.
The appointments follow a year in which MVT launched its Investment Projects programme, staged the Everywhere At Once festival, supported the inclusion of grassroots music venues in the Government’s Music Plan and Music Growth Package, and campaigned for a further 20% reduction in business rates for grassroots music venues
“Over the past 12 years, Music Venue Trust has transformed the conversation around grassroots music venues, championing their cultural and economic importance while delivering tangible support to the sector,” said MVT board co-chairs Chris Prosser and Jane Beese. “The progress made has only been possible because of the passion and commitment of an exceptional team.”
Davyd said, “Music Venue Trust has never been about one individual. Everything we’ve achieved over the past 12 years has come from building an exceptional team with the expertise and commitment to fight for grassroots music venues every day.
“I am incredibly proud to see colleagues like Toni and Rebecca step into senior leadership roles, alongside Chris and Adrian bringing new expertise into the organisation. Together, this leadership team ensures we’re stronger, more resilient and better equipped than ever to support the UK’s grassroots music venue community for many years to come.”
Picture (left to right): Chris Hurne, Toni Coe-Brooker, Denzil Thomas, Beverley Whitrick, Rebecca Walker, Sophie Asquith, Adrian Norman & Mark Davyd (photo credit: Katie Frost)