West joined PLS in 2001 as Head of Operations and, in 2017, PLS’ first-ever Chief Operating Officer. During his time at PLS, West has been responsible for developing and managing PLS’ collective licensing operations and played a key role in the diversification of its services in recent years, including the award-winning permissions service PLS clear. 

West will succeed Sarah Faulder, PLS Chief Executive since 2010.

West said: “Two years ago, PLS celebrated 40 years of service to UK publishing and the distribution of more than £500 million in licensing revenues. It has been a privilege to have played a part in that history, helping to support the wonderful range of publishers whose interests we are here to represent. I have been fortunate to have worked with Sarah for the past 13 years and I am very grateful for her support throughout that time.

I am thrilled and honoured to now be taking the helm and I look forward to working closely with publishers, our licensing agents, and our other valued partners as we continue to deliver vital revenues and services.”

Faulder said: “It has been a privilege to have led PLS, an organisation which is valued by so many publishers for the monies we distribute – some £42m last year alone. I am particularly proud that we have been able to leverage PLS’s central position in the industry to broaden our range of services to publishers.”