ARIA and PPCA names Annabelle Herd as new CEO

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) has revealed its new CEO, following the resignation of Dan Rosen.

Rosen will be taking the helm of Warner Music Australasia, and in his place at ARIA and PPCA will be former Network 10 executive, Annabelle Herd.

Herd was with Network 10 for over 15 years, most recently as chief operating officer. She was responsible for leading the network’s broadcast operations, group strategy, corporate and internal communications, interstate markets, and policy, as well as regulatory, compliance and government affairs, and lobbying/ stakeholder relations.

She left the COO role in April last year, soon after it was announced CEO Paul Anderson would be stepping down from his position. The network had in 2017 entered administration, but been saved by American giant CBS, which swooped in and bought the troubled broadcaster. CBS subsequently merged with Viacom, forming ViacomCBS. It now operates locally without a solo CEO, with responsibilities shared between a chief content officer/ executive vice president, and chief operating and commercial officer.

Prior to her time in broadcasting, Herd worked in various Government roles in Canberra, including four years as senior advisor (broadcasting and copyright) and acting chief of staff for Richard Alston, who was then communications minister, within the Howard Government.

She’s also been on the board for Freeview Australia and Free TV Australia, and currently sits on the Save The Children Australia board, and is a council member of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).

Herd said of her appointment: “I am delighted to be taking on this role serving and supporting our amazing Australian music industry at a time when the inspiration, connection and joy that our artists and musicians give us is more important than ever.

“The last year has been challenging for our artists and members, so I look forward to representing and advancing the interests of those who make our industry so special given the pivotal time that we are in.”

In addition, longstanding ARIA and PPCA executive, Lynne Small, has been elevated to chief operating officer, and will report into Herd.

Small joined the organisation in 1996, and has most recently fulfilled the role of general manager.

Denis Handlin, chairman of ARIA, congratulated the duo on their appointments.

“On behalf of the ARIA Board, we are delighted that Annabelle has joined the organisation and we look forward to the wonderful value and experience that she brings to the role. With her unique quality background, skills, and leadership, as well as her tremendous passion for Australian music, we know that she will help take ARIA forward into a new era and achieve so much for the artists and industry,” he said.

“I would also like to congratulate Lynne Small on her well-deserved new role, and we all recognise how integral Lynne is to ARIA and PPCA.”

George Ash, chairman of PPCA, added: “On behalf of the board of PPCA we are excited to have Annabelle join the organisation in her new role as CEO. Annabelle will bring an incredible new focus to our organisation representing artists and labels across the industry. She brings immense skills and experience from the entertainment industry and a true love of artists and music. We look forward a new future at PPCA where Annabelle’s innovation and energy will bring a new outlook to the organisation and our artist community.”