2025 AAM Awards Winners Announced
The winners at the 2025 Association of Artist Managers Awards (AAM) have been announced.
This year’s AAM Awards took place at a ceremony in Melbourne, with the winners voted for by an esteemed panel of industry experts.
Andrew Klippel (Ourness) was named Manager of the Year, presented by White Sky, with Genesis Owusu hailing his can-do attitude.
“When it comes to people who say that, it’s usually the work that Andrew has overseen and toiled over that proves them wrong. Andrew is my closest collaborator, partner and mentor,” he said. “The kind of artistic and cultural boldness that would have other people quaking in their boots is just a matter of fact for him. When presented with sheer audacity, it’s not received with fear or indecision, the response is usually: ‘cool, when can we get this shit started?’ In short, my GOAT.”
Royel Otis also had positive words for Klippel: “You’ve steered us into a world of possibilities and for that we are so grateful.”
Breakthrough Manager of the Year went to James Fava of Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide, presented by DMT Law Firm. Superstar producer Dom Dolla expressed his pride at Fava’s win. “Not only is he one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met, but his exceptional work ethic is matched only by his brilliant mind and kind nature. Bravo, James!” Dolla said.
Elise Naismith (Lemon Tree Music) triumphed in the Emerging Manager of the Year category, presented by Live Event Logistics. “Elise is so deserving of this award,” Aussie pop star Kita Alexander said. “She pursues well being for everyone around her and encourages hard work like no one I have ever met in this industry. I truly believe it is this balance of virtues that helps me to be the best I can be. I love working with Elise and couldn’t be happier that she has won this award.”
The prestigious Legacy Award, presented by Frontier, was given to John Watson. Read an in-depth TMN interview with Watson here.
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This year’s Patron’s Gift Award, meanwhile, went to Summer King (Topic Artists), while Louise Sawilejskij (Nala Music) won the Community Engagement Award. In addition, the APRA/AMCOS Lighthouse Award recipient was revealed to be Ash Hills of UNIFIED Music Group.
“The AAM Awards are a celebration of the incredible dedication, creativity and care that artist managers bring to their work every day,” AAM Executive Director, Maggie Collins, said. “This year’s nominees reflect the depth and diversity of talent in our field — people who go above and beyond to support artists and help shape the future of Australian music.
“We’re thrilled to recognise this year’s winners, whose achievements truly stand out, while also acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of every nominee. These awards are about shining a light on the people behind the strategy — and the impact they make deserves to be seen and celebrated.”
Find out more about the 2025 AAM Awards via the official website.
2025 AAM Awards Winners (winners in bold):
Manager of the Year
Presented By White Sky
Andrew Klippel, Ourness
Daniel Nascimento, UNIFIED Music Group
Jacqueline Thomas-Piccardi, Cinque Artist Management
Leigh Treweek, Handshake MGMT
Simone Ubaldi & Andrew Parisi, Sundowner Artists
Breakthrough Manager of the Year
Presented by DMT Law Firm
Ash Hills, UNIFIED Music Group
James Fava, Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide
Luke Giannoukas, Teamwrk Management
Sarah McMillan, BootsDarling Music
Steve de Wilde, UNIFIED Music Group
Emerging Manager of the Year
Presented by Live Event Logistics
Damien Platt, Palms Management
Elise Naismith, Lemon Tree Music
Kristie McCarthy, Lemon Tree Music
Rachel Whitford, 27 Music
Zac Abroms, Viceroyalty
Community Engagement Award
Presented by Oztix
Fiona Duncan, Loog Management
Louise Sawilejskij, Nala Music
Nick Finch, Low and Tight
Skinny O’Leary, Sidequest
Stu McCullough, Amplifire Music
Patron’s Gift
Presented by AAM Patrons
Summer King, Topic Artists
Legacy Award
Presented by Frontier
John Watson, Eleven
APRA/AMCOS Lighthouse Award
Ash Hills, UNIFIED Music Group