ALCS chief executive Atkinson to retire as Hayes steps into role

The Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society’s (ALCS) chief executive Owen Atkinson is retiring after 25 years at the organisation, with Barbara Hayes – who has occupied the role of deputy c.e.o. for the past 16 years – stepping into the role in November.

Atkinson, who officially steps down on 31st October after 16 years as c.e.o., started at the ALCS in 1997 as the IT manager. Working his way to the top spot, as chief executive he has expanded its collections from £17.9m per year to £41m, according to the organisation, and has paid out £600m to date.

With Atkinson at the helm, the membership has also more than doubled from 52,000 to more than 117,000 members in the UK and across the world.

He said: “It has been a great privilege to work at ALCS. Collecting money for authors, fighting for their rights and being the organisation to pay them what they’re due is a unique job to carry out, and I’ve done so alongside so many colleagues who are passionate about making a real difference to the lives of authors over the years. I’m leaving ALCS in a really strong position, and in very safe hands.”

Tony Bradman, current ALCS chair, said: “I’m very sad to be saying goodbye to Owen, who has so ably led ALCS for the past 16 years. He has not only captained a steady ship through some particularly murky waters, but also more than doubled the amount of money collected for writers during that time. We owe him a big thank you for all he has done for writers.”

Hayes has headed up ALCS advocacy and communications work since 2007 and more recently added operations to her portfolio. She will be taking over as chief executive from 1st November, and current head of rights and licensing Richard Combes will succeed her as deputy chief executive.

Hayes said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role and continuing our mission to support, champion and fight for authors and their rights. Owen has laid a strong foundation for the company and I look forward to strengthening our position both at home and internationally to ensure authors’ rights are properly valued and rewarded.”