# Beth Sidwell Appointed BPI Director

> Beth Sidwell joins BPI as Director of Policy and Public Affairs to lead music industry strategy.
- Title: Beth Sidwell Appointed BPI Director · Music Business Worldwide
- Summary: Beth Sidwell joins BPI as Director of Policy and Public Affairs to lead music industry strategy. Beth Sidwell becomes BPI's Director of Policy and Public…
- Keywords: beth sidwell, bpi, policy, public affairs, uk recorded music, music exports, brit north, music, business, Beth, Sidwell, Appointed
- Source: Music Business Worldwide — https://musicbusinessworldwide.com/beth-sidwell-appointed-director-of-policy-and-public-affairs-at-the-bpi
- Published: 2026-10-21T11:53:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: beth sidwell, bpi, policy, public affairs, uk recorded music, music exports, brit north, music, business
## BPI Appoints Beth Sidwell
The UK recorded music trade body announced Beth Sidwell as its new Director of Policy and Public Affairs on Monday, October 19, 2026.
## Sidwell's Background
Sidwell joined BPI in August 2021 and served as Head of Policy and Public Affairs since June 2023.
## External Recruitment Process
The BPI described Sidwell's appointment as following an 'extensive external recruitment process' starting in July 2026.
## Previous Role at BPI
Sidwell will lead BPI's policy and public affairs team, working with CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE and industry partners.
## Sidwell's Responsibilities
Her role includes shaping business and policy conditions for uk label businesses, artists, and the recorded music sector.
## BRIT North Project
Sidwell has been leading the BPI's BRIT North creative college in Bradford, West Yorkshire, targeting an opening in 2028.
## Government AI Policy Shift
The UK government dropped its preferred AI copyright proposal under Keir Starmer, now with Andy Burnham as prime minister.
## Music Export Growth
BPI reported uk recorded music exports grew 0.8% year-over-year to £800.3 million in 2025, the first time exceeding £800 million.
## Key takeaway

Beth Sidwell becomes BPI's Director of Policy and Public Affairs to shape UK music policy and support artists.