ARIA appoints Universal’s Michelle Tier as Board observer

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has selected Michelle Tier as the 2022 participant in the ARIA Board Observership Program.

The program was established in 2019 to facilitate the involvement of ‘young, talented and energetic individuals’ in observing a not-for-profit Board.

ARIA said the program aims to expose participants to decision-making processes and corporate governance, while promoting diversity and inclusion on Boards across the Australian music industry.

Tier is currently the artist development manager at Universal Music Australia (UMA).

She joined UMA in 2017, working across the rosters of Capitol Music Group, all Universal UK labels (including Polydor, Island, EMI and Capitol), UMG Nashville and UMA partner labels.

The artist development manger said the was honoured to join the program and have the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the industry’s leaders.

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

ARIA chair, Natalie Waller, said she was thrilled to welcome Tier as the board observer.

“I am confident her experience will provide an exceptional contribution and insight,” she said.

“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.”

In addition, managing director of the Rubber Group of Companies, David Vodicka, has been re-elected to the board.

Vodicka is also the principal of entertainment law firm Media Arts Lawyers and has decades of experience in the media industry, including currently sitting on the Board of the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA).

Chief operating officer of The Mushroom Group’s label and publishing divisions, Chris Maund, meanwhile, will replace Sebastian Chase on the board.

Maund has 20-plus years’ experience working as a music lawyer and running independent labels.

Waller added: “I’m also looking forward to continuing working with David and am excited to welcome Chris.

“I would like to congratulate them both on their appointment.”

Last year’s observer was Sony Music’s senior director of audience development and digital communications, Sophie Paterson.