ARIA Board set for 2022, Michelle Tier tapped for ‘Observership Program’

Universal Music Australia’s Michelle Tier is a new face to the ARIA Board Observership Program, while independent music veterans David Vodicka and Chris Maund are tapped for the 2022 ARIA Board.

With her appointment, Tier is identified as one of the next leaders of Australia’s music industry.

The ARIA Board Observership Program was founded in 2019 in partnership with The Observership Program, established in 2014, to introduce “young, talented and energetic individuals” into the structured experience that is non-for-profit Boards, and, ultimately, enhance the diversity and inclusiveness of boards within the national music industry.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be selected to participate in the 2022 ARIA Observership program and have the opportunity to learn and work with some of our industry’s leaders,” she explains in a statement.

“The music industry has faced many challenges over these past few years and I look forward contributing to ARIA and an industry I’ve loved working in for so many years.”

Tier joined UMA in 2017, and currently serves as Artist Development Lead, utilising her experience working across the rosters of Capitol Music Group, all Universal U.K. labels (including Polydor, Island, EMI and Capitol), UMG Nashville and UMA partner labels.

Meanwhile, David Vodicka, managing director/owner of the Rubber Group of Companies, and Principal of Media Arts Lawyers, is re-elected to the ARIA Board.

Also, Chris Maund, Chief Operating Officer of The Mushroom Group’s label and publishing divisions, is elected to replace Sebastian Chase, founder of MGM Distribution and 2016 recipient of the ARIA Industry Icon Award.

ARIA is entering a second year with its new-look leadership team.

Annabelle Herd became ARIA’s first female CEO, when she took the helm last February.

And in July 2021, ABC stalwart Natalie Waller was elected as ARIA Chair, in a unanimous decision from the Board.

“I am thrilled to welcome Michelle as this year’s participant in the ARIA Board Observership Program,” says Waller in a statement.

“I am confident her experience will provide an exceptional contribution and insight. The program itself has proven incredibly valuable to introduce diverse thinking and new ideas, and I look forward to seeing what it will bring in 2022.”

She continues, “I am also looking forward to continuing working with David and am excited to welcome Chris. I would like to congratulate them both on their appointment.”

See the full ARIA Board here. 

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.