The Digital Media Association (DiMA), the trade group representing digital music streaming services, has tapped Graham Davies, CEO of U.K. songwriters advocacy group The Ivors Academy, to become its next president and CEO beginning this fall.
“Graham has long championed initiatives that bring the music industry together through collaborative discussion and action,” DiMA’s board of directors said in a statement. “His demonstrated track record of working constructively across diverse stakeholders – and across borders – for the betterment of creators and the music ecosystem as a whole resonated with us…We look forward to building upon and expanding the positive work DiMA has already undertaken to champion the beneficial impact of streaming for fans, artists, and songwriters, and are excited about Graham’s vision to advocate and engage around an improved music industry.”
Davies served as CEO of The Ivors Academy from 2018 to 2023, during which he strengthened that organization through a number of initiatives, including Credits Due and the Fix Streaming Campaign, which helped lead to a U.K. government inquiry and subsequent reform of some aspects of the music streaming marketplace. Prior to that, Davies, who is also a musician, held a senior executive position with PRS for Music, the U.K. collective society.
“DiMA has taken a forward-leaning approach to initiatives that benefit the entire music industry and the brightest future for music is one where key players work together,” Davies said in a statement. “As streaming services have powered the resurgence of music from dark economic days, it’s critical that we accelerate industry dialogues that reward creativity and ensure fans can continue to legally access music anytime, anywhere. In my new post, I look forward to listening, engaging in conversation, and looking at ways continued innovation can create new opportunity.”
Davies replaces Garrett Levin, who has helmed DiMA since 2019 and was awarded a new three-year contract in 2022 but resigned to move to Europe with his family. Davies, who resides in the United Kingdom, will relocate to the United States to take on the role.
