New CEO and Chair at Scottish Music Industry Association

Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has announced ROBERT KILPATRICK as Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, while JEN HUNTER will lead the Board as Chair.

Kilpatrick was appointed CEO on an interim basis in September this year.

Having spent almost a decade with SMIA, Kilpatrick has experience in creative and strategic direction, project management, leadership and business development. 

Hunter began her career as a touring musician and later moved into local authority arts.

She has worked as a Regional Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland for the Musicians’ Union, as Director of Culture Counts and co-founded Hackaye Projects.

Succeeding former Chair DOUGAL PERMAN, who held the position from 2016 until earlier this year, Hunter will support Kilpatrick in the setting and delivering SMIA's strategy. 

“I’m looking forward to working with Robert Kilpatrick and the team and to bringing my experience of member-led governance to the organisation,” Hunter said. 

Kilpatrick added: “Having worked with Jen Hunter in various capacities over the years, I’ve been both impressed and inspired by what a strategic and dedicated cultural leader she is."

"We’re gearing up to launch some incredibly exciting initiatives next year, and I look forward to continuing to lead the SMIA executive team; delivering work designed to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry.”