Audio Academy mentoring scheme reveals 2026 cohort

Twenty two people working across the UK radio and audio sector have been selected for the 2026 Audio Academy Mentoring Programme.

The six month scheme connects mid career professionals with senior industry figures for one to one mentoring, seminars and leadership training.

Now in its fifth year, the initiative was previously known as RAMP and is supported by Broadcast Bionics and BBC Sounds.

The programme is designed for people with at least five years professional experience working in areas including production, journalism, engineering, presentation, management and digital content.

The 2026 Audio Academy Mentoring cohort:

● Elle Scott – Senior Podcast Producer and Journalist, BBC Studios
● Emily Jarvis – Line Producer, ITN Productions
● Gabrielle Morris – Specialist Music Producer, Freelance
● Hannah Fisher – Audio Producer, Freelance
● Hannah Loy – Producer and Presenter, Founder of Read the Room Productions
● Harry Bligh – Journalist and Producer, Freelance
● Hywel Davies – Producer, RNIB Connect Radio
● Jo Meek – Executive Producer and Content Designer, Freelance
● Jules Garnett – Writer, Freelance
● Kelly Shungu – Podcaster, Engineer and Founder of Women in STEM podcast
● Lucy Johnson – Radio and Podcast Producer, Freelance
● Mandeep Mann – Assistant Commissioner (Music & Live Events) BBC AsianNetwork
● Meera Kumar – Producer and Content Development Executive, Freelance
● Michelle Martin – Exec. Producer, Story Editor and Podcast Consultant, Freelance
● Millie Chu – Executive Producer, Mindhouse Productions
● Olga Smirnova – Producer, Investigative Journalist, OSINT Trainer, Freelance
● Olivia Swift – Senior Producer, Reform Radio
● Seb Masters – Audio Producer, Freelance
● Shreni Yajnik – Radio Producer, Exec. Producer and Director at Solis Productions
● Silas Gray – Exec. Audio Producer and Presenter, Reduced Listening & Rinse FM
● Vic Turnbull – Founder / CEO, MIC Media
● Shola Aleje – Producer, The Lauren Laverne mid-morning show, BBC 6Music

By matching participants with an experienced business leader Audio Academy Mentoring creates connections across the breadth of the audio sector at the highest levels. The 2026 mentors include senior figures from all parts of the industry:

● Alex Hollands – Director of Content Goldhawk Productions / Platform Media
● Catherine Carr – Author, Documentary Maker, Podcast Host
● Chris Skinner – Vice President and Head of Content, Sony Music
● Clare McGinn – Founder, Napoleon’s Nose | Business & Leadership Coach for Creatives
● Dan Moss – Director and Founder, Colour It In Studios
● Gwyneth Williams OBE – Author, Documentary Maker, former BBC Radio 4 Controller
● Janine Kempadoo – Chief Creative Officer at Silver Music Entertainment
● Jasper Corbett – Head of Audio at The Observer and Tortoise Media
● Joby Waldman – Creative Director, Reduced Listening

● Kat Wong – Founder, This is Oh Yeah
● Leanne Ali – Podcast Producer, Consultant, Advisor & Creative Project Manager
● Lee-Anne Richardson – SVP Global Head of Podcast Production, Sony Music Entertainment
● Lorraine Okefuna – Assistant Commissioner, BBC Radio 5Live and BBC Sounds
● Megan Bradshaw – Head of Spoken Word, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Amazon Music
● Neil Sloan – Managing Editor, BBC Radio Wales
● Peggy Sutton – Story Editor, Executive Producer, Narrative Podcasts and Radio
● Rachel Simpson – Partner Manager, Spotify
● Ruth Barnes – Founder, Sonoloom
● Steve Ackerman – Media Executive and Entrepreneur
● Susie Warhurst – Head of International, Apple Podcasts
● Tony Phillips – Podcast Executive & Consultant, Founder of Sea Salt and Mango
● Vicki Blight Pitt – Head of Audio and Commissioned Media and Bengo Media

The programme is led by Fran Plowright, founder of Meet a Mentor, who delivers the seminars and workshops alongside the mentoring sessions.

Dixi Stewart, Managing Director of The Audio Academy, said: “The relationship between a mentor and a mentee is precious and often of great benefit to both.”

Dixi added: “The programme equips participants with confidence and perspective at a critical point in their professional journey.”