Abbey Road Managing Director Sally Davies Named AI Champion by UK Government

Sally Davies, Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, has been appointed to the new position of AI Champion of UK Creative Industries. In this role, she will ensure AI is used responsibly throughout the arts while maximizing the new tech's potential to create new jobs and drive economic growth.

Background:

• Abbey Road is under the Universal Music Group (UMG) umbrella.

• As such, the studio is following the major label’s policies on “responsible AI” as laid out by UMG CEO Sir Lucian Grainge in his recent new year address to employees.

• UMG has already entered into "responsible AI" agreements with BandLab, Klay Vision, Meta, Nvidia, Pro-Rata, SoundLabs, Splice, Stability AI, TikTok, Udio, and YouTube.

What they said:

• Davies: “The creative industries have always thrived by embracing new tools and technologies, and ensuring we continue to do so with care, responsibility, and creativity has never been more important. Abbey Road Studios has a long history of bringing artists, technologists, and innovators together to push boundaries in ways that serve creativity first. I’m excited to draw on that experience, and the studio’s track record, to help shape a future where AI supports and strengthens the creative ecosystem.”

• Ian Murray, Minister of State at the Departments of Culture, Media and Sport and Science, Innovation and Technology: "We're delighted to announce that Sally Davies, Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, has been appointed as the AI Champion for the Creative Industries. Sally brings years of experience championing creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and will represent the industry’s interests as we work to ensure responsible AI adoption benefits creative industries across the UK."