Robert Kilpatrick

Background

About Robert Kilpatrick

Passionate about driving growth and innovation in the music industry, I’ve spent over a decade building the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) across a range of executive roles. Now serving as CEO and Creative Director, I lead the membership organisation and innovation agency. I'm responsible for designing, developing and implementing an effective company strategy, leading the executive team, and working with the SMIA board to fulfil our mission of strengthening, empowering and uniting Scotland’s music industry to increase its economic, social and cultural value. Since 2017, I’ve led the development and delivery of Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – which has now distributed over in prize money to Scottish artists. My expertise spans strategic planning and governance, business development, brand partnerships, creative strategy and project leadership, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact initiatives. As the key spokesperson for the company, I regularly represent the SMIA across press, media and public forums. My role operates at the intersection of policy, advocacy and industry development – leading national campaigns which champion Scotland's artists and music industry, as well as advocate for sector needs, cultural investment and policy change. I'm a member of the Scottish Government’s Culture Fair Work Taskforce and the Glasgow Culture Forum, and I'm a Patron of the Music Venue Trust – the charity which acts to protect, secure and improve grassroots music venues across the UK.