Audio production trade body AudioUK has appointed Chloe Straw as its new Managing Director.

Straw was previously Head of Content and Production at award-winning production company We Are Grape, where she has been based for the last four years, in addition to working as a social media strategist. She has also worked with the BBC and production company Somethin’ Else.

As well as being a Board member at AudioUK for two years from 2017, Straw was the Head of Digital for its training arm Audiotrain. She will take up her new post at AudioUK on 17 June, replacing former MD Will Jackson and subsequent acting MD Tim Wilson. 

Wilson will continue to support AudioUK in an expanded policy, regulatory and communications role, including continuing as AudioUK’s designated Director of the Audio Content Fund and of the Educational Recording Agency.

“We’re really pleased that Chloe is joining us to build on all the work Will, Tim and the Board have done so far,” said Kellie While, Chair of AudioUK and Head of 7digital Creative. “She brings with her a good level of understanding of production, both in terms of working with established broadcasters and also the world of podcasting and global platforms. It’s a really exciting time for our sector and Chloe has the right skills and knowledge to enable us to support our growing sector as effectively as possible. I’d like to thank Tim for all the first-class work he’s done as acting MD and we’re pleased he will continue to work with us in a greater way.”

In her new role, Straw will continue to grow the organisation, whose membership already stands at record levels, reflecting a growing professionalised sector making podcasts, radio and audiobooks. She will also continue to develop the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy and look to grow its business partnerships.

“I am delighted to be joining AudioUK as Managing Director,” said Straw. “I have worked extensively with the wider industry and AudioUK itself, and it will be an honour to represent the sector’s outstanding talents across podcasts, radio and audiobooks. 

“My ambition is for AudioUK to represent the full diversity of audio production companies and talent across the UK, at an incredibly exciting time for the industry. It is key for me to take the time to listen to members and non-members, to discover how AudioUK can best represent them – I’ll be dedicating my first three months to doing so. Many thanks to Will for his excellent work over the last seven years; I’m very much looking forward to working with Tim and the board as we continue.”