Billboard U.K. Unveils Inaugural 2026 40 Under 40 List Highlighting Rising Music Industry Leaders

Billboard U.K. has officially revealed its 2026 40 Under 40 list, celebrating forty rising executives who are driving creative and commercial developments across the U.K. music landscape. According to Billboard's reporting, the list aims to capture high-achieving professionals who are establishing standards for their peers while helping the U.K. maintain its standing as the world's third-largest music market. Submissions for the honor opened in August through a public nomination form, with candidates evaluated and chosen by Billboard U.K. editors. Each executive can only be featured on the list once, following the publication of the outlet's senior leadership Power Players list in June.

The selected honorees represent a broad spectrum of sectors within the industry, ranging from artist management and live promotion to digital marketing and A&R. Among those recognized is 30-year-old Adex, founder of Manchester entertainment company NQ. After establishing NQ at age 20 and guiding rapper Aitch to mainstream success and a BRIT Award, Adex has expanded the company into film, television, and sports. In 2026, NQ launched Creamfield Recordings alongside the U.K. dance festival and secured a Netflix documentary covering Aitch's fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, which raised over £160,000 for the Down's Syndrome Association. Adex has also established NQ Legacy to support young people entering the arts, according to the report.

In live promotion and touring, Billboard U.K. highlighted executives expanding cultural representation on major stages. Dief, a 27-year-old promoter at Live Nation, led major milestones for Arabic music in London, including Angham's debut at the Royal Albert Hall and the Maharajan festival at Crystal Palace Bowl. Meanwhile, Jackson at AEG led historic live efforts, including Pitbull's record-setting concert at BST Hyde Park that brought 70,000 attendees and set a Guinness World Record. Holness was recognized for founding SXSW London, an event that draws more than 30,000 attendees per edition and serves as a launching pad for new music from established artists like Erykah Badu.

The list also spotlights leadership in artist development and A&R. At Sony Music Publishing U.K., head of A&R Gabrielli was recognized for signing prominent talents such as Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Myles Smith, Dave, and EsDeeKid. At Island Records, 38-year-old Greengrass has overseen breakthrough campaigns for Lola Young, The Last Dinner Party, and BRITs Critics Choice winner Jacob Alon. Meanwhile, Bourguet at The•Team has guided ascendant pop artist Tyla from festival main stages to an upcoming U.K. headline tour while advocating for paid internships and youth mentorship.

Digital growth, brand partnerships, and publishing rights were additional areas of executive focus. Khan, director of growth at Warner Music U.K., spearheaded digital strategies including an Ed Sheeran WhatsApp campaign with Meta and Atlantic Records, as well as driving Alex Warren's single to a 13-week stay at No. 1. At Creative Artists Agency, 38-year-old Banbury secured major brand partnerships for clients including Jorja Smith and Hans Zimmer. Fell-Douglas at Believe focused on enhancing transparency in publishing data for songwriters, while Lang at Warner Chappell Music led major DSP negotiations and international society relations.

Billboard announced that the 2026 class of honorees will be celebrated during an official ceremony at the Beyond The Music conference and festival in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The gathering will bring together artists, policy makers, and key music industry executives.