ERA CELEBRATES ENTERTAINMENT'S UNSUNG HEROES AT 2026 SUMMER PARTY
Entertainment Champions and Rising Stars honoured at annual industry celebration
The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) celebrated the people behind the UK's music, video and games businesses last night, honouring this year's Entertainment Champions and Rising Stars at its annual Summer Party.
Digital services, retailers, suppliers and friends from across the entertainment industry gathered at Eastcheap Records in London for an evening celebrating the people whose talent, commitment and hard work help bring entertainment to millions of UK fans.
ERA's Entertainment Champion Awards shine a spotlight on the often-unsung individuals working behind the scenes of the entertainment business, recognising those whose contributions make a real difference to their companies, colleagues and the wider industry.
ERA Chair Linda Walker said, "The entertainment business is full of people whose work may not always be visible to the public, but whose talent, dedication and ideas are essential to its success. Our Summer Party is a chance to put those people centre stage and celebrate the contribution they make every day."
This year’s Entertainment Champions Awards were presented to:
- Martin Talbot, ex CEO of Official Charts
- Richard Park, Independent Sales, Universal Music Group
- James Stafford, Head of Manufacturing, Republic of Music
- Greg Soder, Sales Team Member, Proper Music Distribution
- Alan Jordan, Owner, Reflex Records
- The BPI Copyright Protection Unit
- Charlotte de Burgh-Holder, Vice President Strategy, Sony Music
The evening also saw ERA recognise the next generation of industry talent with its Rising Star Awards, celebrating emerging professionals already making their mark on the entertainment business.
This year's Rising Stars were:
- Pawel Wluka, Senior Partner Operations, YouTube
- Euan Decourt, Uk Music Content and Label Manager, Qobuz
ERA CEO Kim Bayley said, "Our Rising Stars are nominated by their peers and will join our Future Leaders Board. The objective of this Board is to incubate fast-rising young executives, provide networking and mentoring opportunities and to ensure new voices are heard in the fast-changing digital entertainment and retail landscape. it is wonderful to welcome our two new Rising Stars to our Future Leaders Board." "Congratulations to all of this year's Entertainment Champions and Rising Stars. We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and the energy, expertise and commitment they bring to our sector."