ARIA reveals its most diverse board with four new directors
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) this morning unveiled the most diverse board in its history with the addition of four new directors.
They are:
Libby Blakey, business affair director at Warner Music Australia
Karen Don, senior vice president, legal and business affairs, Australia and New Zealand at Universal Music Australia
Sophie McArthur, general manager, digital & business development Australia, New Zealand & Asia at Sony Music Entertainment
Natalie Waller, head of ABC Music & Events.
Their appointments came after changes to ARIA’s constitution to increase diversity and inclusiveness, ratified by the association’s members at its AGM last year.
The four join existing directors Denis Handlin AO (chair, Sony Music Australia), George Ash (Universal Music Australia), Sebastian Chase (MGM), Niko Nordstrom (Warner Music Australia) and David Vodicka (Rubber).
ARIA also appointed Emily Crews, head of synchronisation at Warner Music Australia, as inaugural participant for the ARIA Observership program.
It aims to provide a professional development experience for rising talent within ARIA member companies to learn more about the fundamentals principles and functions of boards, decision making processes and corporate governance.
Crews is invited to observe all 2019 ARIA board meetings.
Denis Handlin AO, ARIA chairman, and chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand and president, Asia said: “ARIA is delighted to welcome Libby, Karen, Sophie and Natalie to the ARIA board and we congratulate Emily Crews on her selection in the ARIA Observership program.
“Each of these quality executives will bring valuable additional perspectives and experiences that will further advance and benefit the Board and industry as a whole.”
Dan Rosen, chief executive of ARIA said, “I congratulate Emily on becoming the inaugural participant for the ARIA Observership program.
“ARIA is pleased to be able to offer Emily this unique opportunity and we look forward to her joining us at our board meetings in 2019.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Libby, Karen, Sophie and Natalie to the ARIA board of directors.
“It is extremely exciting to have four of our industry’s most respected and passionate people to bring their experience to the ARIA board.”
The first ARIA board meeting for 2019 took place on Thursday February 7.