CLA appoints Simon Hutson as Chief Executive Officer
The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) has announced the appointment of Simon Hutson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Simon will take up the role on 9 February 2026.
Simon brings more than 20 years’ experience across the creative industries, working at the intersection of publishing, media and technology. His career includes senior leadership roles at organisations such as the BBC, Reuters and Cision, where he has a strong track record in commercial leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic innovation.
Most recently, Simon has been responsible for leading commercial activity at The Savings Group, working with publishers and digital platforms to enhance content monetisation. Simon brings a deep understanding of licensing and copyright, alongside a genuine commitment to creators and publishers.
On joining CLA, Simon said:
“I’m excited to be joining CLA at such a pivotal time for the creative economy. As technologies like generative AI reshape how content is created and consumed, we have a responsibility to ensure that copyright continues to reward creativity and support innovation. I look forward to working with our Member organisations, licensees, and partners to build licensing solutions that are both future-facing and fair.”
Simon’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for CLA, as the organisation continues to evolve in response to rapid technological change. With growing demand for lawful, responsible use of content in emerging technologies, CLA is expanding its licensing solutions to support innovation while ensuring rightsholders are remunerated when their work is reused in new ways.
In particular, CLA is preparing to launch a new Generative AI Training Licence, designed to enable organisations developing AI systems to access published content responsibly and transparently, reinforcing CLA’s role in supporting sustainable innovation within the UK gold-standard copyright framework.
Monisha Shah and Kit Fan, CLA Co-Chairs added:
“We are delighted to welcome Simon Hutson as CLA's new Chief Executive Officer. Simon brings extensive experience in publishing, media and technology, along with a deep understanding of licensing and a strong commitment to creators and publishers. Simon’s leadership will be instrumental as CLA continues to support creativity, connect communities across the creative economy, and develop practical licensing solutions that meet the needs of both rightsholders and licensees in an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world.”
Tom West, CEO of PLS, commented:
“I’m delighted to welcome Simon at this pivotal moment for rightsholders. The introduction of a new CLA voluntary collective licence for the use of content in generative AI models is a proactive industry-led solution that will complement the maturing direct licensing market, provide a route to market and facilitate future growth for small and medium sized publishers, and protect rightsholders’ copyright. I look forward to working closely with Simon as we develop these opportunities. I also thank Tony Johnson for his exceptional leadership as interim CEO over the past year.”
