NMC has announced that Helen Sprott will succeed Anne Rushton as Executive Director. In a year-long appointment,
commencing 1 November 2020, Helen will lead the strategic, financial, and artistic activities of the charity. Following a
staffing restructure with General Manager Eleanor Wilson going on maternity leave, she will work with Director of Development Alex Wright, a newly appointed Recordings & Marketing Manager, and the NMC Board.
‘Anne Rushton is a precious jewel who, working tirelessly with its inspired founder composer Colin Matthews and the gifted
NMC team, has enabled NMC to become a national treasure that also shines far beyond the boundaries of the UK. It is
testament to the stature of the organisation that it can attract a person of the exceptional calibre of Helen Sprott as Anne’s
successor. How fortunate NMC is to be welcoming Helen into the fold, to carry and nurture the treasure into the future over
the next months.’ – Jackie Newbould, Interim Chair
‘From pragmatic beginnings in 1989 NMC has grown into a substantial and dynamic survey of British contemporary music
whose value grows with every new acquisition. Founder, Colin Matthews CBE, outgoing Executive Director Anne Rushton, and
NMC’s enterprising team are to be admired for the fearlessness with which they have pursued their mission. To browse the
catalogue is a wonder and delight and I look forward to many more extraordinary discoveries, and the satisfaction of
championing this phenomenal national resource. Thank you to NMC’s dedicated Trustees for the privilege of accompanying
NMC into a new era!’ – Helen Sprott
About NMC
NMC is the award-winning registered charity record label which promotes the work of living composers from Britain and
Ireland. Its catalogue of nearly 300 albums features the work of 387 composers and is available internationally, with digital
reach encompassing over 16 million streams and downloads. A member of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, NMC
contributes significantly to the Creative Case for Diversity. Supported by trusts, foundations and individuals, NMC partners
with organisations and individuals from across the new music sector to build audiences and to deliver innovative outreach,
education and talent development programmes.
About Helen Sprott
Helen has spent her career in music. Following an early career break with publisher
Faber and Faber where she was appointed Commissioning Editor, Music Books, Helen
has gone on to leadership roles in broadcast television (she was an award-winning
Commissioning Editor with Channel 4 Television) and in orchestral administration, as
Managing Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra. For 12 years, Helen was Arts Council
England’s Director, Music, first in London then nationally, overseeing public investment
in music and music education. Helen has worked as an independent recruitment
consultant, advising arts organisations on senior executive appointments, and is an
Associate with Not-for-Profit recruitment specialists, Execucare. In January 2020,
Helen was appointed to the Board of St Martin in the Fields Limited; in December
2020, she joins the Board of the Academy of Ancient Music.
www.nmcrec.co.uk