Warwick Music Group has appointed Clive Bawden as its Chief Operations Officer with immediate effect.
Bawden, the current IoD West Midlands Non-executive Director of the Year, joins the board of the Warwickshire-based company whose operations now span four continents and which has been judged one of the Top 50 Innovators in the Midlands and Disruptor of the Year.
The company, which is backed by Midven’s Exceed Partnership Fund and the Advantage Creative Fund, is widely credited with reversing the fortunes of a music sector that had previously been in decline. Warwick Music Group, which creates quality wind and brass instruments that make the joy of music accessible and fun, has also become a major player in the education sector with the introduction of a new low-cost instrument – designed to appeal to children as young as three – and a suite of education resources.
Bawden will work as Chief Operating Officer within the senior management team in addition to his existing roles, notably as operating partner at Springboard Corporate Finance and his own consulting brand Look After Business. He has more than 20 years’ experience in industry and professional practice, most notably in his last full-time role creating a market-leading origination function at Catalyst Corporate Finance (now Alantra). He is also the former Chair of Finance & Risk for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, one of the key supporters of Warwick Music Group and its work.
“My appointment at Warwick Music Group builds on my previous work with innovative and focused businesses,” Bawden said.
“As a musician myself, I recognise the creative power of music and wholly endorse and support the vision of the Warwick team to ensure that current and future generations of youngsters have an opportunity to make music no matter their background or financial means.” he said.
Steven Greenall, CEO at Warwick Music Group added: “We bring together entrepreneurs, musicians, and innovators who have created the world’s best-selling plastic instruments that are supported by a range of teaching and learning resources.
“Clive’s expertise in developing internal processes, strengthening origination and enabling us to become more efficient will be critical as we develop our range of instruments and support resources and extend our worldwide reach,” said Greenall.
