Florian Drücke has been tapped to replace Dieter Gorny as chairman/CEO of the German Music Industry Association (BVMI) in Berlin. Drücke, who has been managing director of the trade group since 2010, will also represent his nation's music interests on the main board of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), and will also take a position with Germany’s Collecting Society for Neighbouring Rights (GVL).
Drücke said to Billboard: "It is a great honor for me to have been assigned these additional duties by the Board and to work towards achieving better underlying conditions in an increasingly global industry. I attach particular importance to ensuring that the association's activities reflect the needs of the industry both nationally and internationally as effectively as possible."
In January 2006, Drücke joined the BVMI as a legal advisor. Two years later, he took over responsibility for the legal department and political lobbying, and two years after that was appointed managing director. He is also a member of the German-French Cultural Council (DFKR) and the Global Future Council "The Future of Information and Entertainment" at the World Economic Forum.
BVMI board members issued the following statements with regard to the decision:
Frank Briegmann, President Central Europe Universal Music and Deutsche Grammophon: "Florian Drücke is a passionate advocate for the interests of the music and cultural industries in Germany. I have no doubt that he will bring his tremendous qualities just as effortlessly to the international stage and I wish him much success."
Bernd Dopp, Chairman & CEO Warner Music Central Europe, said in a statement that he values Florian Drücke’s many years of work and his ongoing commitment to the common cause of the music industry. "We are completely confident that he will more than live up to the considerably expanded scope of his duties and responsibilities. We wish him much success going forward."
For Philip Ginthör, CEO Sony Music Entertainment GSA, Florian Drücke is a competent and passionate defender of the interests of the creative industries. "He represents the hopes and concerns of artists and the industry with great eloquence and verve. I am delighted that he will now be expanding his role to include the IFPI and I wish him all the best."
Konrad von Löhneysen, Managing Director, Embassy of Music and Associate Members’ Spokesperson, in a statement: "Florian Drücke has long since proven that he understands the industry’s interests and the key concerns of all players, whether large or small. Paired with his clear passion for music, he is the complete package."