Billy Russell exits [V], new head of digital for WMA, and changes at AdNews and Fox

Chris Phillips joins Warner Music as Head of Digital

Warner Music Australia appointed Chris Phillips as Head of Digital and Consumer Insight. He was previously Marketing Executive for 2 ½ years at the Australian Radio Network. His marketing activities were around the launch of iHeartRadio Australia, as well as Mix 106.5, WSFM, 97.3, 4KQ and The Edge. Phillips also worked at APN and Channel Nine.

Billy Russell exits Channel [V]

The year final of Channel [V]’s Saturday morning show The Riff also saw the departure of its founder Billy Russell. The boy from Bacchus Marsh, Melbourne, won [V]’s Presenter Search in 2009. He went on to travel the world for B430, skydived in Europe on Topdeck and won an ASTRA.

Fred Casimir heads global post for BMG

BMG promoted its German Managing Director Fred Casimir to run its global recordings business as EVP of International Repertoire. He’ll oversee new recordings on BMG Artist Services and BMG’s catalogue recordings.

Courtney Act joins US drag TV series

Australian Idol’s first drag queen contestant Courtney Act, has joined the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race alongside former American Idol contestant Danny Noriega. 15 compete to become America’s Next Drag Superstar.

Additions to FOX national show

The new national drive show out of Fox Melbourne has Leon Sjogren as Executive Producer and Carly Humbly as Senior Producer.

Former Universal exec to head Mail Online

One time Universal Music Australia exec Mikaela Lancaster is new GM of Mail Online for Australia and New Zealand. She was most recently Head of Strategic Partners and Specialists Platforms for Mi9, Nine’s digital arm.

Catherine Powell to head Disney

Catherine Powell becomes Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and NZ in July 2014, when John Cracknell retires after 23 years. She is currently SVP and GM of Disney Media Distribution for The Walt Disney Company Europe, Middle East and Africa and will relocate to Sydney.

Top Warner/Chappell role for Jon Platt

Warner/Chappell made Jon Platt its new President, North America. He joined the company last September and strengthened its team. This frees chairman and CEO Cameron Strang to build up Warner Bros Records which he also runs. When Platt was previously at EMI Music Publishing, he signed heavy strikers Jay Z, Kanye West, Usher and Drake.

Dave Shack heads Iron Maiden management

Dave Shack, who began his career at British heavy rock magazine Kerrang! is appointed to the newly created role of Managing Director of Iron Maiden’s management company Phantom Music. He reports to CEOs Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor. Iron Maiden’s business was recently cited by the UK stock exchange as one of the fastest growing music firms in that country.

ARN promotes Melanie Orval

Australian Radio Network (ARN) has promoted General Sales Manager Melanie Orval, to Melbourne Sales Director – Direct. She joined the company 15 years ago. Her promotion allows Ian Toull to step up to GSM of Mix101.1.

Ellis at B105

Lindsay Ellis, ex 104.7 Canberra, replaces Pete Curulli on B105 afternoons in Brisbane.

BMG names John Dobinson Group COO 

John Dobinson, COO of BMG Chrysalis UK and Europe, now takes over a worldwide role as COO of the group’s publishing and records.

Changes at AdNews

As Yaffa Publishing moves to more effectively align online and print products, AdNews Online Editor Brendan Coyne becomes its Editor, journalist Frank Chung moves to Deputy Editor – print, Paul McIntyre remains Editor-In-Chief. Damian Francis’ role has been made redundant and he leaves the company.

Fox’s off-air shuffle

Dan Anstey is new anchor for Fox Melbourne’s breakfast show with Fifi Box and Dave Thornton. He was previously at Nova 100 as anchor of The Hughesy & Kate Show. Kerri Jones is Executive Producer of the breakfast show, replacing Paul Dowsley. Jones was previously Executive Producer of the national drive show on Today.

Guitarist team to run Old Bank venue

Dubbo guitarist Michael Picton and wife Gloria are the owners of new live music venue the Old Bank, in the city’s Macquarie St. They kept the original fittings when the building housed the Bank of NSW in the 1870s, while the wall is adorned with Picton’s guitars and pop art prints.

New editor for The Music Perth

Musician and journo Daniel Cribb takes over as Editor of SPA’s The Music Perth, replacing Callum Twigger who left to pursue his studies.

John Irving takes over as chair of AMPAG

 John Irving has taken over as chair of he Australian Major Performing Arts Group. He was on the board for three years. His predecessor Derek Young AM had to step down from the role after seven years after he quit as chair of the Melbourne Theatre Company. AMPAG is the umbrella group for 28 of Australia’s major performing arts companies.