Musical Chairs: Clark to head ABC’s new Digital Network; Triple M’s Anthony Maroon steps down; Vevo increases NZ profile

Angela Clark to head ABC’s new Digital Network

Angela Clark, Head of Innovation at the ABC takes on the new role of Director of Digital Network. The freshly created Digital Network will centralise all the ABC’s digital design, research and development. It replaces the Innovation division, which Clarke headed when she joined the ABC in March 2012. She was previously CEO of Macquarie Radio and founded a number of digital media start-ups including Streetcorner.

Amber Ferguson gets sharp at Poison Thorn Records

Amber Ferguson is new Label Manager of Poison Thorn Records, the alt-rock, metal and rock imprint set up this year by Possum Records’ Phil Israel and distributed by Universal Music. Ferguson will source and sign new acts. Poison Thorn is releasing an alt-rock compilation of 11 rising acts, with a metal one due next year.

Neal, Strong, expand Blue Grey Pink agency

Mark Neal and Michael Strong, directors of Perth bookings, publicity and management agency Blue Grey Pink have added a label division. It is launched, along with singles from The Disappointed and Sidewalk Diamonds, at Osborne Park Bowls Club on Sunday November 30.

Opera Bar confirms Adam Lewis

Sydney’s Opera Bar officially confirmed Adam Lewis as new Entertainment Manager. The promoter, writer, DJ and FBi Radio broadcaster is also music curator for Secret Garden Festival and was booker at GoodGod Small Club for the past two years. The venue said, “Opera Bar's mission is to reinforce the entire Opera House precinct’s position as Sydney and Australia’s preeminent cultural hub. Playing host to the best in Sydney and Australian musical talent, the programming will host a diverse range of genres and styles of acts.”

Adam Shand takes over Drive at 6PR Perth

Melbourne-based award winning crime journalist and author Adam Shand takes over 6PR Perth’s Drive slot on January 12. He already appears on 6PR as a regular commentator on its Sunday program, hosted by Bob Maumill. He replaces Paul Murray who leaves the station next month in a full time capacity but will continue there in a fill-in role.

Anthony Maroon steps down Triple M duties

After 25 years on air at Triple M Sydney doing a number of shifts (and a stint at Vega 95.3 doing Drive), one eyed Rabbitohs fan Anthony Maroon is stepping down as a jock but will continue his current relationship with Triple M and its National Rugby League connection. He posted his thank-you to the Ms Sydney on Facebook, “As a kid all I ever wanted to do was work there.”

Country music exec Barry Harley joins Tamworth Council

Barry Harley joins Tamworth Regional Council as Country Music Manager in late January. Best known as long-time GM of Rural Press Events he played an integral role in the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival and Golden Guitar Awards. He was a board member of the Country Music Association of Australia, created the Toyota Country Music Theatre at TRECC, and is current Chairman of the Country Music Festival Stakeholders Group.

Vevo increases NZ profile with Country Manager

Music and entertainment platform Vevo increases its profile in New Zealand appointing Brendan Muller as Country Manager. He was previously Country Manager for digital ad company, eXponential, Muller will strike commercial partnerships with brands to introduce original content in NZ, which it has not done so far. He will work with the sales teams in Sydney and Melbourne with Authentic Entertainment which oversees Vevo commercial activity in A/NZ.

In related news, Vevo’s President /CEO Rio Caraeff leaves next month, with Chief Financial Officer Alan Price acting as interim.

Morvan Boury heads global Sony Music division

Morvan Boury was named Vice President of Global Business Development and Digital Strategy. Based in London he oversees the Asia Pacific (including Australia), Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Joanne Pollard bows out of Nine Entertainment board

Nine Entertainment announced that Joanne Pollard resignation as a non-executive director to take up a full time executive role. She chaired its Nomination and Remuneration Committee and, Chairman David Haslingden reported, her “industry and strategic insights around the Board table have been invaluable and will be missed.”

SCA promotes Jane Stucci

Southern Cross Austereo promoted Sydney Television Sales Director Jane Stucci to National Television Sales Director.

Four to oversee Bondi Bowling Club’s music venue

Sydney’s Bondi Bowling Club, which has launched itself as a music showcasing space, has tapped on four local residents to develop it. They are Anthony Kaplan (The Corner House, Panama House), Troy Barrott (Hub Artist Services), Oscar Done (The Done Group) and renovation project manager Andrew Jones who starred in TV series The Block in 2012.

New Content Director for 98five Sonshine

Beth Rivers began this week as Content Director as Perth’s 98five Sonshine FM. Coming from a print background, she replaces Bryce Green who left in August to move to Indonesia.

Jeremy Sheers exits 6iX Perth

After seven years with Capital Radio Network, Jeremy ‘Jerry’ Sheers steps down as Content Manager, Breakfast Producer and breakfast panel operator at 6iX Perth on Friday December 12. He announced, “It has been a long and winding road but have decided to take an indefinite break from radio.”