AIR announces its new CEO

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has announced Dan Nevin as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Nevin takes over from ex-General Manager Nick O’Byrne, who announced his departure in June after a five-year tenure. AIR’s last CEO was Stuart Watters, who exited in 2009.

:: NICK O’BYRNE DISCUSSES AIR DEPARTURE

Nevin steps into the role from his position as Digital Music Manager at JB HI-FI; prior to that he was AFL Media’s Digital Marketing & Subscriptions Manager, Internet Operations Manager at book retailer REDgroup and perhaps most notably the General Manager of Export for Shock Records, a post he held for over 12 years from 1998 – 2010.

“Independent music was the main reason I first pursued a career in this industry,” Nevin told TMN. “Now, after having worked across various sectors of the music industry, as well as gaining some valuable learnings from other industries, I’m very excited to be stepping into this role and working on behalf of our great independent labels and artists.”

AIR announced Nevin’s appointment at last Wednesday’s Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards, where they bid farewell to O’Byrne.

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“We’re extremely excited at the appointment of Dan to the role,” said AIR’s Chair, David Vodicka in a statement. “He brings with him solid industrial knowledge and a depth of management experience that is timely in the development of the organisation as we approach our 20^th year of operation.”

O’Byrne has turned his focus solely on his current roles as Executive Programmer for BIGSOUND and as manager for artists Courtney Barnett, Milwaukee Banks and Sterling Silver.

Nevin commences at AIR in November.