LGBTIQ+ List 2026:
Pol Mitchell | Soft Serve Management

"There’s been a real backslide in lineup diversity in mainstream events, which is a signal of bigger economic and systemic disruption"

By IQ | 12 June 2026

[they/them] Artist manager / director, Soft Serve Management London, UK [email protected] Pol Mitchell is an independent artist manager and founder of Soft Serve Management, currently managing Annie Mac, HAAi and I.

JORDAN. Pol has also worked across the live sector, spending time as a booker at FORM Presents and Pitchfork Festival London, as well as on the live side of management at Goodlife, working across their roster on Fred again.., Skrillex and The Blessed Madonna.

Tell us about…

This premium content is available to subscribers only.

Subscribe now to unlock unlimited access to all of our magazine content, annual reports, contact directories and more

Subscribe

Share this

LGBTIQ+ LIST 2026:

Erik Kammerer

Live Nation

"We need to slow down, pause, and identify those who will challenge industry norms while also honouring legacies"

Bihter Çetinyol

Charmenko

"The industry in Türkiye is small; you can only work for corporations, governmental corporations, municipalities, and private companies"

Ethan-James Luke

Legends Global

"The audiences are diverse, the talent is diverse, so the people shaping the industry should reflect that, too"

Mica Sefia

Black Lives in Music

"As a Black, queer, neurodivergent woman, my identity informs everything I do, whether intentionally or not"

Peter Allott-Fletcher

AEG Presents

"Everything has become more expensive, and often unpredictably so – global events have an almost immediate impact"

Harry Wilding

Festival Republic / Kelham Pride / ILMC

"Grassroots venues help grow the careers of new artists that will one day become our arena fillers and festival headliners"

Sandra Schweizer

Gadget Entertainment AG

"Being surrounded by so many people actively shaping the business was genuinely inspiring and gave me a stronger sense of perspective"

Thiago Nakano

30e

"In Brazil, where music is such a strong part of people’s identities, tours can become real cultural moments"

Toby Corton

Mighty Hoopla / Sounds Queer / State is Flow

"Pay artists fairly, regulate, and redistribute profits in favour of the people who, without their work, the 'music industry' would just be 'industry'"

Paul Schäfer

Freelance

"Representation matters because it creates role models, opens pathways, and signals to the next generation that there is space"

Mary Allen

UTA

"We’re navigating a significant level of touring oversaturation alongside growing price resistance"

Shorlette Ammons

Farm Aid

"The same handful of corporations controlling food systems are often shaping culture and access in entertainment, too"

Kat Winfield

CAA

"It’s not just about representation on paper; it’s about creating an environment where people genuinely feel supported"

Mariano Otero

Fever / DICE

"The ticketing industry is entering a period of increased scrutiny and regulatory change, which is both necessary and overdue"

Bruno Sérgio Gomes

30e

"Demand is huge, but production costs, routing, and ticket affordability are putting a lot of pressure on the middle of the market"

Jyn Paul

DICE

"Equitable access to tickets remains the biggest challenge the industry faces in keeping fans motivated and artists connected"

Antonia Lines

LIVE Trust

"We're working in collaboration with the live sector to fix long-term problems and create a better future for everyone"

Małgorzata Staniszewska

Alter Art

"When we prioritise fair treatment, economic security, and a safe, respectful environment, we create an industry where talent can thrive"

Steve Berry

Stagetruck Ltd

"I do what I do because I want everyone who comes to work with us to feel welcome, included, and part of something they’re proud of"

MOST POPULAR

Related Content

Kiss and tell: The Doc McGhee story

Celebrating 40 years of his company, McGhee Entertainment, the legendary KISS manager tells IQ about his path to the top and his future plans

Feature 11 May, 2023

Best of 2023: Depeche Mode on tour

IQ speaks to the architects and road warriors who are helping take the band's Memento Mori tour to millions of fans

Feature 28 December, 2023

Live Nation's Thomas Johansson

Celebrating Thomas Johansson at 75

IQ celebrates the career of the industry pioneer, who cemented the Nordics into the routing of every international tour that visits Europe

Feature 4 September, 2023

Back to top