Industrial Strength: Musical Chairs – October 9, 2013
Simon Joyce leaves MCM
Simon Joyce has stepped down as group CEO of MCM Entertainment but will stay on as a consultant for the rest of the year. He joined the company 13 years ago and had the CEO role for five. His role will not be replaced, MCM founder Tony McGinn confirmed, and that a new leadership structure will be announced shortly. McGinn said in a statement, “Simon has played a key role in the growth of our media business and has served the company with great passion and commitment. After 13 years with MCM we understand Simon’s need to spread his wings and we are happy to support him as he does. Simon leaves this business with our best wishes for his future success.”
Merlin appoints US advisor
Merlin, the London-based global rights agency for the independent label sector, has brought in former Warner Music Group senior legal and business affairs executive Roger Gold as part-time advisor on commercial and licensing activities in the US. Merlin represents recorded music rights of than 10% of the U.S. digital market. During his 17 years at WMG Gold, helped bring the major company’s move into 360 and D2C businesses. He also helped set up Independent Label Group (ILG), finding success when it teamed up with John Janick’s Fueled by Ramen label which launched the careers of Paramore, Panic! At The Disco and Fun. Gold will work alongside Merlin’s CEO Charles Caldas (former CEO of Shock Records in Australia) and head of business affairs Charlie Lexton.
Caldas said, “With so much of our activity focused on the emergence of new US-based platforms, Roger’s experience will be a hugely valuable asset for Merlin and its members.” Gold observed,”Historically, independent labels have represented the best examples of entrepreneurialism and have been the greatest early champions of musical artistry. This has never been more true than today and one need only look at the charts to see that this is the era of the independents. ”
Ross Solly exiting ABC Canberra
Canberra ABC radio breakfast host Ross Solly is leaving in December after taking over the shift in November 2004. He and his family are moving to live in Thailand where his wife, ABC political reporter Samantha Hawley, begins her new post as the broadcaster’s South East Asia correspondent. This year, Solly lost his ratings lead in the time slot to FM 104.7’s Scotty Masters and Nigel Johnson.
Jeff Nielsen shifts to Hot Tomato
Long time imaging producer for Nova, Jeff Nielsen, has shifted to Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast in a similar capacity.
Martin Elbourne launches new Spanish showcase
UK festival promoter and booker Martin Elbourne of The Great Escape, Lovebox and Jersey Live – and also South Australia’s live music Thinker In Residence – has launched a new Spanish showcase. The Lleida Sessions Pro, held October 30 and 31, aims to present 10 acts to 10 to 15 key European summer festival programmers. There will also be a conference component where Sounds Australia will also be represented.
Jermaine Dupri joins Mariah Carey’s management team
Record producer, So So Def label chief and songwriter Jermaine Dupri has joined Mariah Carey’s management team. The two worked on hits as Always Be My Baby, Don’t Forget About Us and We Belong Together which was named song of the decade. “(We) have a bond that surpasses music,” Carey said. Dupri has produced Usher, Monica and Destiny’s Child and So So Def signed Kris Kross, Xscape, Bow Wow and Jagged Edge.
New chief executive for AIMIA
David Holmes is the new CEO of the digital industry’s body AIMIA, replacing John Butterworth who left in early winter. Holmes has been working in the Australian digital industry for 17 years, including being the first digital member to be appointed to the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA) board and being CEO of CarAdvice.com.au. AIMIA president Tim O’Neill said: “David brings to AIMIA rock solid digital media experience and a deep understanding of growth and innovation within the digital industry.”
CEDIA offices to be closed in Australia
The Australian office of trade association CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is being closed, its New York-based chairman Len Wallis told Channel News. The operational duties of the Botany, Sydney-based office – including, presumably its trade association – will be taken over by Sydney-based The Association Specialists. Channel News said that in the past 12 months, CEDIA lost key figures including general manager Stephen Miller and operations manager Lauren Tuckwell.
New booker for Sydney’s Chinese Laundry
Venue operators Merivale appointed EDM performer, remixer and label executive Klaus Hill as booker of its long running Sydney nightclub Chinese Laundry on Sussex St in the city.
Tom Miserendino heads AEG Europe
AEG Live’s EVP and COO Tom Miserendino becomes president and CEO of AEG Europe. He will look after 20 music venues in nine territories including London’s The O2 and Wembley Arena. He joined AEG in 2002.
New management team for Crest Electronics
Queensland based Crest Electronics, which distributes over 600 entertainment technology accessories including headphones and speakers, has a new management team under managing directorRalph Olbertz. They include Mike Edgson as sales & marketing director, Larisha Engelbrecht as CFO and Mark Gibson as supply chain director.
Merlin, the London-based global rights agency for the independent label sector, has brought in former Warner Music Group senior legal and business affairs executive Roger Gold as part-time advisor on commercial and licensing activities in the US. Merlin represents recorded music rights of than 10% of the U.S. digital market. During his 17 years at WMG Gold, helped bring the major company’s move into 360 and D2C businesses. He also helped set up Independent Label Group (ILG), finding success when it teamed up with John Janick’s Fueled by Ramen label which launched the careers ofParamore, Panic! At The Disco and Fun. Gold will work alongside Merlin’s CEO Charles Caldas (former CEO of Shock Records in Australia) and head of business affairs Charlie Lexton.
Caldas said, “With so much of our activity focused on the emergence of new US-based platforms, Roger’s experience will be a hugely valuable asset for Merlin and its members.” Gold observed,”Historically, independent labels have represented the best examples of entrepreneurialism and have been the greatest early champions of musical artistry. This has never been more true than today and one need only look at the charts to see that this is the era of the independents. ”
Ross Solly exiting ABC Canberra
Canberra ABC radio breakfast host Ross Solly is leaving in December after taking over the shift in November 2004. He and his family are moving to live in Thailand where his wife, ABC political reporter Samantha Hawley, begins her new post as the broadcaster’s South East Asia correspondent. This year, Solly lost his ratings lead in the time slot to FM 104.7’s Scotty Masters and Nigel Johnson.
Jeff Nielsen shifts to Hot Tomato
Long time imaging producer for Nova, Jeff Nielsen, has shifted to Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast in a similar capacity.
Martin Elbourne launches new Spanish showcase
UK festival promoter and booker Martin Elbourne of The Great Escape, Lovebox and Jersey Live – and also South Australia’s live music Thinker In Residence – has launched a new Spanish showcase. The Lleida Sessions Pro, held October 30 and 31, aims to present 10 acts to 10 to 15 key European summer festival programmers. There will also be a conference component where Sounds Australia will also be represented.
Jermaine Dupri joins Mariah Carey’s management team
Record producer, So So Def label chief and songwriter Jermaine Dupri has joined Mariah Carey’s management team. The two worked on hits as Always Be My Baby, Don’t Forget About Us and We Belong Together which was named song of the decade. “(We) have a bond that surpasses music,” Carey said. Dupri has produced Usher, Monica and Destiny’s Child and So So Def signed Kris Kross, Xscape, Bow Wow and Jagged Edge.
New chief executive for AIMIA
David Holmes is the new CEO of the digital industry’s body AIMIA, replacing John Butterworth who left in early winter. Holmes has been working in the Australian digital industry for 17 years, including being the first digital member to be appointed to the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA) board and being CEO of CarAdvice.com.au. AIMIA president Tim O’Neill said: “David brings to AIMIA rock solid digital media experience and a deep understanding of growth and innovation within the digital industry.”
CEDIA offices to be closed in Australia
The Australian office of trade association CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is being closed, its New York-based chairman Len Wallis told Channel News. The operational duties of the Botany, Sydney-based office – including, presumably its trade association – will be taken over by Sydney-based The Association Specialists. Channel News said that in the past 12 months, CEDIA lost key figures including general manager Stephen Miller and operations manager Lauren Tuckwell.
New booker for Sydney’s Chinese Laundry
Venue operators Merivale appointed EDM performer, remixer and label executive Klaus Hill as booker of its long running Sydney nightclub Chinese Laundry on Sussex St in the city.
Tom Miserendino heads AEG Europe
AEG Live’s EVP and COO Tom Miserendino becomes president and CEO of AEG Europe. He will look after 20 music venues in nine territories including London’s The O2 and Wembley Arena. He joined AEG in 2002.
New management team for Crest Electronics
Queensland based Crest Electronics, which distributes over 600 entertainment technology accessories including headphones and speakers, has a new management team under managing directorRalph Olbertz. They include Mike Edgson as sales & marketing director, Larisha Engelbrecht as CFO and Mark Gibson as supply chain director.