​A Legacy of Excellence Together,
now united.
Unparalleled expertise to establish 23 Management and Consultancy—a venture destined to set new benchmarks in the music and entertainment industries. Denis, the mastermind behind musical legacies, and John, the unsung hero of live touring and security, continue to push boundaries, ensuring their legacies inspire and shape the future of music and live entertainment for generations to come. Their combined experience, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence make 23 Management and Consultancy a formidable force in the industry.
360° Talent
Management
The Formation
Denis Ingoldsby & John Proctor: Architects of Music's Golden Era
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, certain names transcend mere participation to become true visionaries who shape entire eras. Denis Ingoldsby and John Proctor are two such titans—each leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and live entertainment. Together, they have now established 23 Management and Consultancy, a venture poised to redefine excellence in the industry.
Denis Ingoldsby
The Mastermind Behind Musical Legacies For over two decades, Denis Ingoldsby has been the pulse, the rhythm, and the very heartbeat of musical success. His influence on the industry is nothing short of legendary. As a key figure at Jive Records, Denis's visionary approach transformed raw talent into global sensations. But his impact didn’t stop there. With the creation of FIRST AVENUE, Denis established more than just a management company and record label; he forged a dynasty. Under his expert guidance, icons such as Dina Carroll, The Nightcrawlers, MN8, The Honeyz, and Kelly Le Rock achieved unprecedented heights.
In 1993, Denis unleashed ETERNAL upon the world. Their album "ALWAYS & FOREVER" wasn’t just a release; it was a cultural phenomenon that dominated charts and garnered four Brit nominations. Similarly, Louise’s career flourished under Denis’s guidance, with album sales exceeding 2 million copies.
FIRST AVENUE, under Denis's leadership, became a powerhouse, producing over ONE HUNDRED MILLION albums. His ventures transcended borders; his collaboration with Russian sensation t.A.T.u led to an English album that sold 8 million copies, and he pioneered a groundbreaking publishing venture in Russia, proving that his influence was truly global.
Beyond music production, Denis’s partnership in the WEST END remix collaborations transformed hits like TLC’s 'Creep', Toni Braxton’s 'Breathe Again', and Diana Ross’s 'Chain Reaction' into timeless anthems. His alliances with industry giants—Boyzone, Girls Aloud, Lionel Richie, Timbaland, and even the iconic Mariah Carey—are legendary. Denis’s role in producing the Pussycat Dolls’ global hit "Stickwitu" further cemented his reputation as a master of international success.
​
At the heart of his empire, Denis’s production team, featuring luminaries like Johnny Douglas, Rhek Lawrence, Harvey Mason, and Damon Elliot, created not just music, but history. His publishing venture, APPLEBY MUSIC, founded in 2004, championed legends like Il Divo, Sergie Galyan, and the Bodyrockers, revolutionizing the industry.
John Proctor
The Unsung Maestro of Live Touring and Security While Denis Ingoldsby was crafting musical dynasties, John Proctor was shaping the world of live touring and production with his unparalleled expertise in security and logistics. Born and raised in England's Northeast, John moved to London at 18, driven by a burning ambition to excel in the security industry. Under the mentorship of George Gibbs, Chief Superintendent of the Flying Squad, John quickly ascended in the Close Protection industry, earning a reputation for trust and excellence.
John’s entry into the music industry was marked by his exceptional security skills, which drew the attention of elite tour and armed operatives. He safeguarded international icons like George Michael and Alice Cooper, and later led the security department at Capital Security Group PLC, managing contracts for Middle Eastern families and ensuring their safety overseas.
Upon returning to the UK, John transformed SSR's security recruitment division into the gold standard for close protection. His partnership with Barrie Knight led to the formation of Proctor & Knight, a consultancy that quickly attracted high-profile clients like Van Morrison and Pink Floyd, and provided consulting services to NATO.
John’s contributions to the music industry reached new heights when Steve Jenkins, CEO of Jive Records, invited him to tour manage Steps. Over five record-breaking years, John revolutionized tour security and management strategies for Jive artists, including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Justin Timberlake. His consultancy extended to the WWE and Bacardi B Bar Live, showcasing his versatility and expertise.
In 2012, John played a key role in coordinating TEAM USA's interactions with UK law enforcement during the Olympics. That same year, he founded Total Touring Limited, managing live productions for artists like Tom Jones and Tears for Fears. His leadership was instrumental in directing a standout show at Reading Football Stadium, aiding Cher Lloyd's transition to the US market, and consulting for Nitro Circus and Heineken Live.
John’s expertise was further recognized when Live Nation recruited him for the touring security team of K-POP sensation BTS, where he developed comprehensive security guidelines that set new industry standards.
Copyright © wer23
all rights reserved
