International Music Summit

The IMS team is deeply saddened by the passing of Alexi Cory-Smith, co-founder and CEO of Bella Figura Music.

Across a remarkable career in music publishing, recordings and rights management, Alexi became one of the UK music industry’s most respected leaders and valued advisors. From her time leading BMG’s UK business to co-founding Bella Figura Music, she brought vision, integrity and a deep commitment to artists, songwriters and the long-term value of music.

Alexi’s influence extended far beyond the companies she helped build. She was a formidable and principled leader whose contribution has left a lasting mark on the global music community.

Our deepest condolences are with Alexi’s family, friends and colleagues.

IMS celebrates the recognition of three friends of the summit for their outstanding contributions to our culture.

Carl Cox has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026, a fitting recognition for one of electronic music’s most beloved and influential figures. A true pioneer whose energy, generosity and connection with dancefloors has helped shape the culture for decades. Oh yes, oh yes!

Maykel Piron has received the prestigious Gouden Harp from Buma Cultuur, honouring his outstanding contribution to the Dutch music industry. As co-founder of Armada Music, Maykel has played a major role in building a global platform for artists, records and songwriters, helping take Dutch electronic music to audiences around the world.

Judge Jules has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026, recognising a career spanning DJing, broadcasting, entertainment law and support for young people. His contribution reaches far beyond the booth, helping bring electronic music to wider audiences while continuing to support the industry behind the scenes.

Congratulations Carl, Maykel and Jules, from all of us at IMS.

The IMS team is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of artist manager Leticia van Riel, a much-loved and respected friend of the summit.

Leticia was a force within the electronic music industry: passionate, determined, and deeply committed to supporting the people around her. As a manager with her own company, LVR Management, she helped shape the careers of her artists with care, belief and dedication.

One of Leticia’s most meaningful contributions to our community was the LvR Mentoring | DJ Career guidance programme she created and championed. She worked tirelessly to open doors for others, share knowledge, build confidence and create opportunities for those finding their way in the industry. Her commitment to helping others grow was a true reflection of who she was.

Leticia’s warmth, energy and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed by the IMS team and the wider music community.

“Leticia was one of the most positive and effective people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with in this industry. We are all trying to come to terms with it whilst supporting her family as best possible.”
Ben Turner, IMS co-founder and co-management colleague.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues, artists and everyone who loved her.

Photo by Max Thijssen

The thoughts of all at IMS are with the family and friends of Philipp Jung.

As one half of M.A.N.D.Y. and co-founder of Get Physical Music alongside Booka Shade and DJ T., Philipp helped shape the sound and spirit of a generation of house music. Through both the label and his productions, he played a defining role in the evolution of electronic music in the 2000s and beyond, championing records and artists that left a lasting mark on dancefloors around the world.

Alongside Patrick Bodmer, M.A.N.D.Y. created music that balanced groove, emotion and underground energy with a rare sense of timelessness. Tracks like Body Language became more than club records, they became part of the DNA of electronic music and soundtracked unforgettable moments for an entire generation of clubbers.

Philipp’s influence can be felt across decades of club culture, through the music, artists, labels and communities he helped build.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Phillip’s son and family. Donate via our link in bio.

At IMS Ibiza 2026, ‘Dancefloor Under Pressure: Building a Sustainable Music System’ brought together voices from across music, conservation, and climate action to ask what it really means for the industry to move from climate awareness into practical action.

Moderated by Coco Francavilla, the session featured Alice Pelly of EarthPercent; Brian Miller of TuneCore; Marcial Bardolet of the Balearic Government, Mediterranean Posidonia Network and Mallorca Preservation; Natural Symphony; and Salomé Riera Lock of Ibiza Preservation.

From Ibiza’s fragile natural ecosystem to the global touring, clubbing, and festival circuit, the conversation explored how artists, promoters, platforms, venues and audiences can share responsibility for what comes next.

35 years of Nervous Records, told through the people who helped shape it.

From New York record shops and bootleg T-shirts to global house culture, dancefloor testing, A&R instinct and the tension between music, art and content, this IMS Ibiza session with Michael Weiss, Andrew Salsano, Todd Terry, Harry Romero, Oscar G and Josh Wink, and moderator Silvia Montello traced the story of one of house music’s most enduring labels.