2008 Music Industry Trusts' Award, Supporting the BRIT Trust & Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. Monday 3 November 2008.

Lucian Grainge, one of the British music industry's most successful and influential executives, is to be honoured with the prestigious annual Music Industry Trusts' Award - the first time in more than a decade that the award recipient is the serving chief executive of a major record company. In recognition of services to the industry, the Award will be presented to Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Music Group International, on the evening of 3 November at London's Grosvenor House, in the presence of over 1200 guests from the UK's music and entertainment sectors.

The Music Industry Trusts' Award, now in its 17th year, has become one of the true benchmarks of achievement and generosity in the British music business, bestowing the respect of peers upon its recipients, while benefiting the charitable causes that have the industry's loyalty.

Lucian Grainge joins a select group of previously honoured industry leaders such as Sir George Martin, Harvey Goldsmith and the late Ahmet Ertegun, and such esteemed artists and musicians as Kylie Minogue, Peter Gabriel, Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and John Barry. Grainge, who this year celebrates his 30th anniversary in the business, has been closely involved with the careers of such global superstars as U2, Sir Elton and Amy Winehouse, and with UK-signed multi-platinum performers such as Mika, Take That, Snow Patrol, Kaiser Chiefs and Scissor Sisters.

The MITS Award Committee is delighted that Lucian Grainge is this year's honouree, and the choice reflects more than the success of the company he leads. Grainge exemplifies the drive, imagination and experience which are core qualities for anyone who aims to advance and prosper in the fast-changing British music industry, and who wants to shape it. Since 1978, he has been bagel boy, talent scout, music publisher, A&R director, label managing director, company chairman, UK group chairman and now chairman/CEO of Universal Music Group International.

David Munns, Chairman of the Awards Committee, said, "In an era when the music business is under so much pressure, it is a joy to give this award to someone who is on top of his game. Lucian has been responsible for bringing so many new artists to the fore, and he is proof of the creativity, determination and fidelity to music which are at the heart of our industry."

Lucian Grainge commented, "This recognition is an honour, and one for me to share with the many artists, colleagues and friends who have been at the centre of my professional and personal life for the past 30 years. I'm proud that music is the only industry I have ever worked in. Music has given me opportunity and fulfilment beyond measure, and I'm grateful for that."

The Music Industry Trusts' Award has raised £3 million to date for its two charities, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the BRIT Trust (which includes the BRIT school for Performing Arts and Technology). The Award was established in 1991 with the twin aims of honouring an individual and raising money for the nominated charities. The Award is unique because - in addition to saluting artists - it recognises the contribution that an individual has made to the industry, from a range of activities: producer, film composer, record company executive, music retailer, concert impresario.

The charity event is renowned for producing an evening that is inspirational and often moving, with unique live performances and collaborations from artists such as Rod Stewart, Kylie Minogue and Jamie Cullum, Elton John, Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour.