Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of publishing company Warner Chappell Music (WCM), has been confirmed as 2026’s recipient of the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS). He is the first music publisher to be awarded the prize.
Organizers have said the award is in recognition of Moot’s 30-plus year career, “defined by creative vision, a ‘songwriter-first’ philosophy and a lifelong commitment to music’s power to educate, heal, and transform lives.”
The MITS will be presented to Moots on Nov. 9 at a gala ceremony held at central London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, in support of two leading U.K. music charities: The BRIT Trust and music therapy organization Nordoff & Robbins.
“To be the first publisher to receive the MITS Award is a real honour, and one that I hope serves as a celebration of songwriters and the extraordinary value of their music,” Moot said in a statement. “I’ve spent my whole life championing creators and finding the next generation of talent who deserve a pathway in.
“The BRIT Trust has a proven track record of building careers and opening doors for young people who might never otherwise get the chance. And Nordoff & Robbins reminds us why music matters in the first place — its profound ability to reach people in a way that nothing else can. I’m proud to support both, and humbled to receive this recognition.”
Moot will join an illustrious line of previous MITS recipients including both executives (Sir Lucian Grainge, Rob Stringer, Jason Iley, Emma Banks, Michael Eavis and Lucy Dickins) and artists (Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, Roger Daltrey). 2025’s honoree was Ashley Tabor-King, founder and executive chairman of commercial radio group Global Media & Entertainment.
Moot began his industry journey in retail before transitioning into A&R in 1984 at ATV Music and Chrysalis Records. In 1987, he joined SBK Music Publishing, following its merger with EMI Music Publishing. He rose through EMI’s ranks and by 2003 had been appointed executive vp of A&R for the U.K. and Europe, later becoming U.K. managing director and president of European Creative in 2005.
In 2012, Moot played a central role in navigating the Sony-EMI merger in Europe. Five years later, he was named president of worldwide creative. In 2019, Moot was appointed co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, working alongside Carianne Marshall. The company’s roster has grown to include artists and songwriters such as Dua Lipa, Cardi B and Zach Bryan, alongside catalogues from David Bowie, Madonna, George Michael and Tom Petty.
Toby Leighton-Pope, co-chair of the MITS Award Committee, added: “Few people in our industry have had a career as extensive and influential as Guy’s. His impact reaches far beyond the U.K., making this year’s recognition especially significant. From his early days in a record store to becoming one of the industry’s most senior executives, his commitment to music has never wavered, matched by a depth of experience that truly sets him apart. Congratulations to Guy on this well-deserved MITS Award and on an exceptional career to date.”
