Darren Aboud Resurfaces at Select Music

Darren Aboud has landed a new prominent role in the music industry, joining Select Music as chief operating officer.

The former major label executive left his post as joint managing director of Universal Music Australia (UMA) mid last-year as the company grappled with a widespread culture crisis and multiple high-profile exits, including the eventual departure of local President George Ash.

There was, however, no suggestion Aboud was involved in any wrongdoing at UMA.

Aboud was at Universal Music for over two decades.

Even his two-and-a-half-year stint as GM at U.K. brand partnership firm BrandAmp from 2008 was part of a joint venture between Universal Music Group and global communications agency WPP. Before accepting the role as co-managing director of UMA alongside Mike Taylor in 2019, Aboud held a number of senior Sydney-based roles across its marketing and brand functions.

In his new role, he will be charged with guiding Select Music into the future, CEO Stephen Wade said.

Darren Aboud (Source: LinkedIn) 

“On behalf of the whole Select Music team we are so excited to welcome Darren to the family. With several new staff hirings post COVID and the company continually growing it was the perfect time for us to bring someone in to help guide Select Music into the future. He brings a wealth of music industry experience and top level management, and most importantly is also an all-round good person,” Wade said in a statement to TMN. 

Aboud added: “I am honoured to become a member of the exceptional team at Select Music, as we strive to expand and excel in the music industry. For me, the true enchantment of music lies in live performances, and I am thrilled to be a part of a company that shares this passion.

“At Select Music, putting the ‘artist first’ is a fundamental principle that aligns with my personal values and professional pursuits. Moreover, I look forward to collaborating with an outstanding group of individuals who make working here a pleasure. This place literally rocks.”

Select Music boasts clients including Thelma Plum, Teenage Dads, Lime Cordiale, Crooked Colours and The Veronicas.