Jon “Webbo” Webster has worked for 2 people most of his life - himself and Richard Branson. The former paid better.

He began his career in retail, working as a shop assistant for Virgin. In 1981 he started as Sales Manager for Virgin Records and progressed through Marketing Director and Head of International before being appointed Managing Director in 1988. Jon has been fortunate enough to work with some iconic bands, including Genesis, UB40, The Human League and Culture Club. He was a member of the BPI Council from 1985 – 1992.

Following the EMI purchase of Virgin in 1992, Jon decided to leave the company to set up his own - The Clancy Webster Partnership. In 1983 he was instrumental in devising the ‘Now! That’s What I Call Music’ brand and in 1992 he founded the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. From 1992 – 2002 Jon wrote the “Webbo” column for Music Week and was an expert witness in a number of court cases. In 2000 he moved into management and he now runs a small internet sales label, Aquarian Nation. In May 2005 he was appointed Director of the Independent Member Services at the BPI.