LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — Emma Banks, the noted CAA executive who serves as Co-head of the agency’s London office, has been announced as the 2018 recipient of the Music Industry Trusts Award in recognition of her huge contribution to the music industry in a career spanning over 25 years.
The award will be presented on 5th November at a ceremony held in aid of the BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins. Emma follows last year’s honoree Rob Stringer and joins the ranks of previous recipients including Kylie Minogue OBE, Sir Lucian Grainge, Ahmet Ertegun, Simon Cowell, Michael Eavis CBE, and Annie Lennox OBE.
David Munns OBE, chairman of the MITS Award committee, said: “Emma’s innate ability to work with artists, build relationships and of course spot the talent in the first place makes her quite unique. A trailblazer for women in the industry from the outset, she is hugely respected by promoters, colleagues, artists and competitors alike. Coupled with a drive and enthusiasm rarely seen after nearly 30 years in the business, Emma is the deserving recipient of the 2018 Music Industry Trusts Award.”
Banks represents an impressive roster that includes Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Florence + The Machine, Kylie Minogue, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lorde, among many others. Her recent signings are equally impressive, with the addition of artists such as Green Day, Muse, HAIM, and Paramore.
In addition to her role at CAA, Emma is chair of the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef committee.
Banks began her career at Wasted Talent (later Helter Skelter), which she and Mike Greek built into one of the premier booking agencies in Europe, leading to her being named as Managing Director at the firm.
In 2006, she joined CAA, where she played a key role in the establishment of CAA’s London offices and where she signed talent such as a young Florence Welch, who was playing small venues in London at the time. Florence + The Machine now regularly sell out festivals and arenas across the world.
“Emma Banks has been a constant source of support and wisdom throughout my career. Her strength, kindness, and intuition are an inspiration to me, and many other women in the music industry, EMMA WE SALUTE YOU, Thank you for everything x,” Welch said of her longtime agent.
