Ashley Tabor-King

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Founder and executive president of Global Media & Entertainment; chair of The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation

Ashley Tabor-King
Image
Born May 1977
Died
Nationality British
Residence
Occupation Media executive
Known for Founder and executive president of Global Media & Entertainment; chair of The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation
Parents Michael Tabor; Doreen Tabor
Spouse(s) George Tabor-King (m. 2019)
Children 3
Sibling(s)
Education
Predecessor
Website

Ashley Daniel Tabor-King CBE (born Ashley Daniel Tabor, May 1977) is a British media executive. He founded Global Media & Entertainment in 2007 and is its executive president. Global owns Capital, Heart, Classic FM, LBC, Radio X, Smooth, Capital XTRA and Gold (radio), plus outdoor advertising and the Global Player app. The buy-outs that created the group were financed by his father, the bookmaker and Coolmore partner Michael Tabor, and by Tabor’s racing associates.[1][2]

He chairs The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation (charity 1178634), registered 2018, which sits at Global’s offices at 30 Leicester Square and is staffed by Global directors. The Foundation’s named grants 2019–25 total about £4.18 million, including £1.13 million to Global Academy UTC (a related-party school of which he was an early director) and £25,000 to Westminster Synagogue.[3]

Family

Tabor-King was born to a Jewish family in May 1977, son of Doreen Tabor and Michael Tabor (born 28 October 1941, Forest Gate). Michael Tabor left school at 15, built the Arthur Prince bookmaking chain (sold to Coral, 1995, reported £27 million), bought BetVictor (2014), and is a Coolmore Stud partner with John Magnier and Derrick Smith. He appears on the Sunday Times Rich List (about £629 million in 2019; later estimates higher). Residences: Monaco and Barbados; interests include the Sandy Lane hotel. Married Doreen since 1975; one son, Ashley.[1]

Industry executives quoted in 2022 put the 2008 GCap purchase as “Daddy basically bought the company.” Chrysalis Radio (Heart, Galaxy, LBC) in 2007 was reported as backed by Michael Tabor plus Magnier and J. P. McManus.[1]

Early career

Hospital radio in Watford while still at school. Left school at 16. First commercial job: overnight technical operator at Chiltern Radio, Dunstable. Then group music assistant and studio producer at Capital, Euston Tower, under Richard Park. Ran a talent and publishing business working with Corinne Bailey Rae and later The Wanted. Worked for Simon Cowell; IMDb credits him as composer of The X Factor theme music across UK and international editions.[4][5][2]

Honorary LLD, University of Exeter, 2013 — the speech his father later quoted (“when he’s working, he’s on holiday”).[6]

Global

Global was incorporated 2007 (then This is Global Limited; renamed Global Media & Entertainment Limited, February 2017). Sequence:

  • 2007 — Chrysalis Radio, about £170 million (Heart, Galaxy, LBC).
  • 31 October 2008 — GCap Media (Capital, Classic FM, XFM, Choice, Gold, The One Network). Combined deal value commonly put above £500 million.
  • 2012 — GMG Radio (Smooth and related), subject to competition remedies.
  • Later — outdoor (Exterion / Global Outdoor), festivals (later partly sold), Global Player, podcasts.

The group is the largest commercial radio operator in Europe. RAJAR-era figures quoted by the company: tens of millions of weekly listeners; 51 million people across platforms in later corporate copy.[1][7]

Stephen Miron has been group chief executive (moving toward chair). Charles Allen, Baron Allen of Kensington is group chairman. Both sit with Tabor-King on the Foundation. Richard Park remained a lieutenant after the Capital years and presented Tabor-King’s 2025 Music Industry Trusts Award.[3][8]

Family vehicles linked to Michael Tabor (Bahamas trust / Global Media & Entertainment Investments) hold a stake in US group iHeartMedia. In 2025 iHeart asked the FCC to let related companies, including vehicles associated with Ashley Tabor-King, hold or increase interests up to a combined 14.99 per cent, with Michael Tabor remaining ultimate owner.[9]

Global Academy

Global Academy UTC opened 2016 at The Old Vinyl Factory, Hayes — 14–18 specialist school for broadcast and digital media. Official opening 20 April 2017 by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry (Heads Together). Tabor-King was a director of Global Academy UTC Trust Limited from 1 October 2013 to 24 March 2015. The Foundation’s 2023 accounts record a £1,134,600 grant to the Academy; Tabor-King and Miron “did not participate in the decision” because of membership of the Academy. Note 12 of the 2024 Foundation accounts still lists the Academy as a related party.[2][3]

The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation

CIO 1178634, registered 5 June 2018. Chair from incorporation. Objects as filed: first-responder PTSD and harm; young people; general charitable purposes. Principal office: Global, 29–30 Leicester Square. No employees. Income is gifts from the founder (and, in 2025, a small bank-interest line). Named grants 2019–25 are set out on The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation. Largest lines: London’s Air Ambulance £1 million (2025 deed of gift); Global Academy £1.13 million; Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales £850,000; Taigh Mor £670,000; National Memorial Arboretum Police Memorial £300,000; Baker Dearing £200,000; Westminster Synagogue £25,000 (year to 5 April 2020).[3]

LBC and Israel / Gaza

LBC is a Global station. The Foundation does not fund it. Same building, same controlling shareholder, overlapping trustees.

Documented rows:

  • May 2021 — Ofcom found LBC News in breach after a reporter said “Jewish Embassy” nine times.[10]
  • 14 April 2024 — Sangita Myska interviewed Israeli spokesperson Avi Hyman on the Iran strike and the Damascus consular compound. She was off air from the next weekend. On 1 May Global called it a weekend “refresh” and end of contract. A petition passed tens of thousands of signatures; more than 100 media figures signed an open letter. Myska later said she was pulled within 48 hours, that a non-disparagement clause bound her, and that Global solicitors monitored her social media. Global’s public line remains schedule and ratings. No regulator finding ties the exit to the interview.[11]
  • 27 April 2024 — weekend presenter Natasha Devon queried evidence of 7 October sexual violence; apologised; donated the show fee; kept the slot.
  • July 2025 — James O'Brien read an unverified listener email about “Shabbat school.” The Board of Deputies of British Jews asked LBC to take him off air. He apologised. LBC took no further action. Protest outside Global, Leicester Square.[12]

Full narrative: The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation § Global, LBC and Israel / Gaza.

Companies House

Two officer files, same May 1977 date of birth. Do not merge.

Correspondence on the live Global stack: 30 Leicester Square, WC2H 7LA. Older radio filings: Apartment 11-02, The Knightsbridge Apartments, 199 Knightsbridge.

Second ID — Radiocentre Limited

Company Number Status Role Appointed Resigned
Radiocentre Limited 02669040 Active Director 20 September 2007 —

Main ID — current

Company Number Status Role Appointed
GMEL Holdings Limited 16343896 Active Director 26 March 2025
Radioplayer Worldwide Ltd 10421953 Active Director 18 July 2023
Global Media IP Limited 12002350 Active Director 27 April 2023
Global Tech Investments Limited 14828411 Active Director 26 April 2023
Global Media Investments Limited 14096842 Active Director 10 May 2022
Global Radio Holdings Limited 04077052 Active Director 1 August 2019
Global Outdoor Media Holdings Limited 06309636 Active Director 1 August 2019
UK Radioplayer Limited 07229400 Active Director 21 June 2010
Knightsbridge Residents Management Company Limited 05505563 Active Director 8 March 2010
UK Digital Radio Limited 04104532 Liquidation Director 21 January 2010
Global Media & Entertainment Limited 06251684 Active Director 8 September 2008

Main ID — former (one row per appointment)

Company Number Status Role Appointed Resigned
Global Talent (Group) Limited Dissolved Director 17 June 2014
Global Entertainment and Talent Limited 09046752 Active Director 19 May 2014 21 August 2017
Global Talent and Entertainment Limited 09046762 Dissolved Director 19 May 2014 21 August 2017
Rewind Festival Limited 08915210 Active Director 27 February 2014 25 May 2016
Boardmasters Limited 08915183 Active Director 27 February 2014 25 May 2016
Superstruct Kendal Ltd 08915128 Dissolved Director 27 February 2014 25 May 2016
Global Live Limited 08908964 Active Director 24 February 2014 16 May 2017
Superstruct UK Festivals Ltd 08908975 Active Director 24 February 2014 25 May 2016
Global Academy UTC Trust Limited 08713518 Active Director 1 October 2013 24 March 2015
Global Media Ventures Limited 08124421 Active Director 29 June 2012 21 August 2017
Global Entertainment Rights Limited 08112822 Active Director 20 June 2012 29 August 2017
Global Talent Records Limited 08112796 Active Director 20 June 2012 29 August 2017
Radio Academy Trading Limited 02875446 Dissolved Director 16 May 2011 31 December 2014
The Radio Academy 01978864 Active Director 21 September 2010 23 March 2015
Global Music Television Limited Active Director 14 December 2009
Global Radio Holdings Limited 04077052 Active Director 18 November 2008
Birmingham Broadcasting Limited 00685666 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 31 July 2009
Beacon Broadcasting Limited 00674678 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 31 July 2009
Radio Wyvern Limited 01568552 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 31 July 2009
Mercia Sound Limited 01386660 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 31 July 2009
Midlands Radio Limited 02365381 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 31 July 2009
BRMB Limited 01837041 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 31 July 2009
Classic FM Limited 02622707 Active Director 9 June 2008 21 August 2017
Global Radio Limited 00923454 Active Director 9 June 2008 21 August 2017
Global Media Group Services Limited 03296557 Active Director 9 June 2008 21 August 2017
GCap Media (The Jazz) Limited 03909859 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
First Oxfordshire Radio Company Limited 02247588 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Gemini Radio Limited 02864089 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Prock Licence (NTLRSL) Limited 03823436 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
XFM Manchester Limited 05337066 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Leicester Sound Limited 01433194 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Radio South Limited 01955992 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Radio Mercury Limited 01717321 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Now Digital (North Wales, Wirral and Cheshire) Limited 06232867 Dissolved Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Now Digital (Oxford) Limited 06314242 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Capital XTRA Limited 02421343 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Radio Trent Limited 00728182 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Essex Radio Limited 00670633 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Now Digital Limited 03546921 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Storm (GWR) Limited 03967783 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
GWR Group Limited 00715143 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Galaxy Radio Scotland Limited SC168821 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Radio Broadland Limited 01620771 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Global Radio Hampshire Limited 01586580 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Wiltshire Radio Limited 01568150 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Hopstar Limited 04341970 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Welovelocal.com Limited 05975759 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
GWR (West) Limited 01458936 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Orchard FM Limited 03224505 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Suffolk Group Radio Limited 01582637 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Two Counties Radio Limited 01388851 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Now Digital (Southern) Limited 03654065 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Mid Anglia Radio Limited 01391895 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Southern Radio Group Limited 01798533 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
XFM Limited 02672315 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Southern Radio Limited 01602035 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Global Radio Digital Limited 03588779 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
GCap Media (CRUD) Limited 04406408 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Harlow F.M. Limited 02757939 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Global Radio Media Management Limited 02318655 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Radio Invicta Limited 01475448 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Marcher Radio Group Limited 01606318 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
GCap Media (FPRL) Limited 03546500 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
GWR East Holdings Limited 03960678 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Plymouth Sound Limited 02595043 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Lantern Radio Limited 02702198 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Hit 40 UK Limited 04466658 Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
GWR International Limited Active Director 9 June 2008 20 November 2008
Cardiff Broadcasting Company Limited 01369605 Active Director 9 June 2008 18 November 2008
Chiltern Radio Limited 01472241 Active Director 9 June 2008 18 November 2008
Capital Radio Investments Limited 00988448 Active Director 9 June 2008 18 November 2008
Chill Radio Limited 03793939 Active Director 9 June 2008 18 November 2008
Capital Radio Restaurants Limited 01311073 Active Director 9 June 2008 22 October 2008
Global Radio Acquisitions Limited 06417314 Active Director 2 December 2007 21 August 2017
Global Radio UK Limited 06288359 Active Director 21 June 2007 21 August 2017
Global Radio UK Limited 06288359 Active Secretary 21 June 2007 14 January 2009
Galaxy Radio Birmingham Limited 03652313 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Global Radio Northwest Limited 05416681 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
GCap Media Limited 03140291 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Heart 106 FM Limited 05185951 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Heart TV Limited 03499203 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Galaxy Radio Limited 02997500 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
LBC Radio Limited 03143623 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Global Radio London Limited 02826601 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Global Radio Holdings Limited 04077052 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
LBC 1152 Limited 03210292 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Digital News Network Limited 04130784 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Heart Radio Limited 04140186 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Galaxy Radio Manchester Limited 02848034 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
This Is Global Limited 05614997 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Global Radio Midlands Limited 02828239 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Galaxy Radio North East Limited 03139918 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Arrow Digital Limited 04004082 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Border Radio Holdings Limited 03376590 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Faze Three (East Midlands) Limited 03052331 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Orion Media (East Midlands) Limited 03050677 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
North East News Radio Limited 03471725 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
North West News Radio Limited 03390095 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Greater Manchester Broadcasting Company Limited 03991577 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Central Region News Radio Limited 03510017 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
London Broadcasting Company 1996 Limited 03210298 Dissolved Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Galaxy Radio Yorkshire Limited 03052392 Active Director 31 July 2007 5 June 2008
Global Media & Entertainment Limited 06251684 Active Director 18 May 2007 5 June 2008
Global Talent Music Limited 05522116 Active Director 29 July 2005 21 August 2017
Walsh Global Management Limited 05248355 Dissolved Director 1 October 2004 22 August 2017
Walsh Global Management Limited 05248355 Dissolved Secretary 1 October 2004 22 August 2017
Residence (London) Limited 03834523 Dissolved Director 1 September 1999 30 September 1999
Global Talent Music Recordings Limited 03598411 Active Director 15 July 1998 21 August 2017
Global Talent Music Recordings Limited 03598411 Active Secretary 15 July 1998 30 September 2009
Purbrook Services Limited 03598417 Liquidation Director 15 July 1998 12 October 2005
Purbrook Services Limited 03598417 Liquidation Secretary 15 July 1998 12 October 2005
KMR II GT Publishing Limited 03509421 Active Director 12 February 1998 21 August 2017

Honours

  • Honorary LLD, University of Exeter, 2013.[6]
  • OBE, 2017 Birthday Honours, services to the media industry.
  • CBE, 2024 New Year Honours, services to media and entertainment.
  • Music Industry Trusts Award, 3 November 2025, Grosvenor House, presented by Richard Park; beneficiaries BRIT Trust, Nordoff and Robbins, Global Academy. On-screen tributes included Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Prince William.[8]

Personal

Married George King in 2019; hyphenated the surname. Wikipedia records three children. Lived at The Knightsbridge Apartments from 2006 (£15 million flat); bought the adjoining apartment in 2017 for a reported £90 million. Westminster planning refused a scheme to knock them into a ten-bedroom penthouse (press valuation about £200 million).[2]

See also

External links

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jim Waterson, The rise of LBC’s owner Global, The Guardian, 24 February 2022.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Ashley Tabor-King, Wikipedia.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 The Ashley Tabor-King Foundation, Powerbase.
  4. ↑ Ashley Tabor-King looks back at 50 years of commercial radio, RadioToday, 6 October 2023.
  5. ↑ Ashley Tabor, IMDb.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Previous honorary graduates, University of Exeter.
  7. ↑ Global (company), Wikipedia.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ashley Tabor-King honoured with Music Industry Trusts Award 2025, RadioToday, 22 July 2025.
  9. ↑ Cameron Coats, A Bigger Heart In iHeart For Ashley Tabor-King?, Radio & Television Business Report, 19 June 2025.
  10. ↑ Lee Harpin, Ofcom finds LBC radio ‘broke broadcast rules’, Jewish News, 13 June 2022.
  11. ↑ Sangita Myska leaves LBC, The Independent, 1 May 2024.
  12. ↑ Board calls for LBC’s James O’Brien to be taken off air, Jewish Chronicle, 23 July 2025.
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