The MITS Award announce Global's Ashley Tabor-King CBE as 2025 Recipient

Ashley Tabor-King CBE, Founder & Executive President of Global Media & Entertainment group, will receive this year’s prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS), in recognition of a famous two-decade career that has changed the face of the British music industry and broadcasting.

Ashley has been a driving force behind the transformation of commercial radio, the growth of Global’s music and entertainment businesses, and a passionate supporter of British music and talent. The Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the UK music industry and consistently championed its future. Ashley Tabor-King is recognised not only for his entrepreneurial vision and industry influence, but for his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, supporting communities, and using music as a force for good.

The MITS Award will be presented to Ashley on Monday 3rd November at The Grosvenor House Hotel, in support of two vital UK music charities: The BRIT Trust, which is a core funder of The BRIT School, and music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins. This year, the MITS will also recognise Global Academy alongside The BRIT School and Nordoff & Robbins.

Ashley founded Global in 2007 and has since grown it into one of the world’s leading Media & Entertainment groups, the largest commercial radio and outdoor company in Europe, and a leading force in UK advertising. As Founder & Executive President, he has overseen the growth of Global’s industry-leading radio brands including Capital, Heart, Capital XTRA, Classic FM, Radio X, Smooth, Gold Radio and LBC, alongside one of the UK’s most popular entertainment apps, Global Player, and a huge slate of award-winning, chart-topping podcasts.

On-air, on Global Player, and with its outdoor platforms combined, Global reaches 51 million individuals across the UK every week, including 29 million on the radio alone, helping to break new artists, support the live sector, and bring music to audiences across the country. Global has been instrumental in launching and supporting the careers of major artists such as Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Taylor Swift, and Stormzy. Capital’s annual Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Ball have become landmark live events in the UK music calendar, showcasing homegrown talent and international stars alike. This summer’s event welcomed Will Smith, Benson Boone, and Mariah Carey to Wembley Stadium as its headliner, marking her first UK performance in six years. Global is also a large shareholder in iHeart Radio in the US.

Ashley launched the Global Academy, a unique school and sixth form based in London specialising in media, entertainment and digital communications, which gives young people from all backgrounds a direct pathway into the creative industries. This year, Global Academy will also be part of the MITS.

Ashley is also a committed philanthropist. Global’s Make Some Noise raises tens of millions of pounds for small charities across the UK. His charitable efforts have extended to causes including youth opportunity, education, and mental health.

Ashley was awarded an OBE in 2017, and a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in 2024 for services to media and entertainment.

Ashley Tabor-King CBE:
“I’m extremely honoured to receive the prestigious Music Industry Trust Award and am delighted that the Awards night will be supporting the important work of the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins, two extremely important charities in our industry whose work is very close to my heart. I’m also delighted and grateful to MITS for including Global Academy this year. I’m deeply humbled by this recognition and would like to thank everyone who has supported Global along the way, and of course thank you to the MITS Award committee for this great honour.”

Toby Leighton-Pope, Co-chair of the MITS Award committee:
“Ashley has redefined what a modern media business looks like. He took Global from an idea to a company that sets the pace for the entire industry. His influence is undeniable and this year’s MITS Award is a well-earned recognition. Congratulations, Ashley.”

Dan Chalmers, Co-chair of the MITS Award committee:
“Ashley has built one of the most successful entertainment groups in Europe, transforming commercial radio and creating a full-scale entertainment powerhouse. At the same time, his work has consistently opened doors, whether for artists breaking through or for young people entering the industry. He’s grown a major business without ever losing sight of what matters. That’s what makes this honour so deserved.”

Ashley will join the ranks of previous MITS recipients including Annie Lennox OBE, Kylie Minogue, Rob Stringer CBE, Emma Banks, Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Sir Lucian Grainge, Michael Eavis CBE, Pete Tong MBE, Roger Daltrey CBE, Jamal Edwards MBE, Lucy Dickins, and last year’s recipient Jason Iley MBE.

Celebrating its 33rd edition this year, the Music Industry Trusts Award is recognised as one of the benchmarks of achievement in the UK music business and continues to benefit hugely deserving causes year after year. The MITS Award supports two important charities, the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins, and is sponsored by ASM Global, PPL, SJM Concerts, and YouTube.