Musical Chairs: Leanne De Souza leaves the industry; Four retire from radio; New name for Kiis FM; Two hires for Facebook Australia

Leanne De Souza takes a break from music biz…

Brisbane-based artist manager Leanne De Souza – her current clients are The Medics, Thelma Plum and singer-songwriter Liam Gerner – is taking an “extended long-service leave". Via Twitter she directed to a blog she wrote on Medium.com her reasons. “In an increasingly difficult environment, the long tail of the “great digital crash” is now biting deeply, and I can no longer sustain the energy and resources required without a personal toll,” the post read.

De Souza began in artist management in 1997, going on to build a formidable roster that included Kate Miller-Heidke, Stringmansassy, george, Katie Noonan, Misinterprotato, Transport and Miles From Nowhere. She also project managed Indigenous collaboration The Painted Ladies (featuring Luke Peacock, Vic Simms and The Medics.

She is also a foundation board member of the Queensland Music Network (Q Music), executive-produced Big Sound in 2006, did workshops for the Fieldworx consultancy and was a lecturer in music business at Griffith University, TAFE and JMC Academy.

…while four retire from radio

Australian radio lost four executives. ABC Radio’s Manager of Policy Administration Cathy Duff and Manager of Regional Local Radio Tony Rasmussen retired notched up 80 years worth of experience between them.

5RM/Magic 93.1 Content Director Matt Stephens gave up his 20-year radio career to focus on his fruit and nut business in the Riverland.

Darwin's Hot100 and Mix104.9’s Head of Radio and Online Solutions Mark Johnson leaves radio after 12 years to become GM of ad agency Sprout.

Rachel McLarnonoff to NXFM

91.9 SEA FM AnnouncerRachel McLarnon is leaving her post on the Sunshine Coast to join NXFM in Newcastle. She will be thenew mornings announcer and MD there. Her last day at SEA FM is thisFriday May 15. A replacement hasn't been announced.

Paul Williams re-elected to head ASCAP board

Hit songwriter Paul Williams was re-elected Chairman and President of ASCAP's board for the fourth time. He has held the role since 2009. TV music and jingles composer Doug Wood was elected Vice President. New to the board is Jody Gerson, Chairman CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group.

Former Minister, Clare Martin, chairs Darwin Festival

Renowned for her love and support for the arts, former Northern Territory Chief Minister and Arts Minister Clare Martin takes over as Chair of Darwin Festival from Tom Pauling AO QC who is retiring.

Condon lands on feet

Former 4BC Brisbane morning presenter Patrick Condon, swept out in the recent putsch, returns to Seven Network as state politics reporter in July.

New name for Kiis FM

An addition at Melbourne's Kiis FM is Mel A, formerly Weekday Hits host and station Image Producer at Power FM.

Warner’s WEA names global brand licensing VP

WEA Corp., the artist and label services arm of Warner Music Group tapped Alix Kram to the role of VP, Global Brand Licensing. Kram, who ran her own product and marketing agency in New York, will head strategies for consumer products and brand licensing, and developing retail partnerships and new product lines with WMG’s labels and their artists.

Two new hires for Facebook Australia

Facebook Australia expanded its team by two. One time MCM Entertainment and various radio networks exec Melissa Verner Green fills the newly created post of Head of Agency Melbourne. Jason Juma-Ross, new Head of Telecommunications, Technology & Entertainment, was lead partner for PwC’s Digital Intelligence unit and previously at Accenture and AMR Interactive. Facebook Australia CEO William Easton says over 13 million Aussies use the platform.

Chunky role for former Fringe Director

One time Melbourne Fringe Director Vanessa Pigrum is new Executive Producer at Chunky Move. Pigrum ran the Fringe from 2000 to 2003 before she took over as Manager of Creative Development at Arts Centre Melbourne during which she supported new works from small to medium performing arts groups and introduced the Full Tilt initiative to showcase independent talent.

New Chair for Country Arts WA

The new Chair for Country Arts WA is Ross Beckett while Kate Fielding drops to Vice-Chair. Beckett joined the board in 2011 (two years as Vice Chair) representing the Esperance Civic Centre. New additions to the board are Amber Perryman (Coordinator, Vancouver Arts Centre in Albany), Mira Holzmann (Chairperson, Theatre Kimberley) and Natalie Jenkins, GM of Black Swan State Theatre Co.

Another radio name heads to Canada

Another Australian broadcaster succumbed to the lure of Canadian radio. Elliott Lovejoy, who co-hosts Hot FM Cairns’ breakfast show, starts at 2day FM Niagara Falls at the end of this month.

Dual Artistic Director format for Adelaide Festival

Sydney theatre and film director Neil Armfield and Adelaide-born arts administrator Rachel Healy will share Adelaide Festival’s Artistic Director role from 2017 to 2019. It’s the role’sfirst double share in the event’s 55-year history. The pair worked together at Company B/Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney. The incumbent David Sefton directs his final festival in 2016.

TV’s Emma Mullings joins Hope 103.2

TV presenter Emma Mullings expands her floater role at Hope 103.2 by taking over the morning show during the week.

Image Source:Medium.com