Musical Chairs

MORE GYMPIE MUSTER DEPARTURES

Following the resignation of David Gibson departure as Executive Director of the Gympie Music Muster in Queensland, as reported in Industrial Strength yesterday, it transpires that two more staffers have resigned, all citing “irreconcilable differences” with the festival’s board.

They were Festival Director Melinda Wells and Head of Corporate Services Janell Cox. Wells had tendered her resignation last week while Cox had advised the festival of her intention to depart in January.

This gives the Muster five months to train new staff.

INTERNATIONAL ROLE AT ASCAP

ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has promoted Elizabeth Rodda to the role of VP, International Affairs. Based in Miami, her role is to generate more revenue for the association outside the United States, and to maintain ASCAP’s relationships with other collection societies around the globe.

ASCAP also announced a new board of directors today.

VERRALL TAKES BREAK FROM RADIO

After 20 years in radio, Tim Verrall has decided to step away from breakfast radio and have a break.

During his six years with NOVA Entertainment he was Executive Producer for Nova 919’s Lewis & Lowe in Adelaide and launched and built the top rating Chrissie, Sam & Browny in Melbourne.

Senior Producer Liza Altarejos is promoted to his role.

NEW CEO FOR CMTO

Giordana Caputo is the new CEO of The Community Media Training Organisation (CMTO). She was previously its Training Manager for five years and, before that, Station Manager at Brisbane’s 4ZZZ.

Caputo replaces founding CEO Nicola Joseph and takes the position as CMTO “enters a new stage of consolidation and growth” according to Chairperson Dr Christina Spurgeon.

NEW WARNER IMPRINT FORMED

Kieron Donoghue, Warner Music’s VP of Global Playlists Strategy & Curation will run Warner Bros. Records UK’s new imprint Artists To Watch Records. It will focus on finding singles with potential to become global streaming hits using algorithms that the company developed.

NEW FACES AT PICA

Robyn Glindemann is named new Chair of the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), after being a board member since 2014.

She replaces Tony Chong who served as Chair for five years, and as a board member since 2008.

Caris Harper has commenced as PICA’s new Business Manager, returning to Perth after serving in management and programming positions at the Sydney Festival, Melbourne Festival and Carriageworks.

Tim Carter joins as Producer and Kira Rikkers will take on the Communications Manager shortly.

DAVE HOWARD LEAVING TASSIE RADIO HUB

After 19 months as Content Director at LAFM, CHILLI and 7SD in Launceston, Dave Howard will bow out on April 13.

Former PD Steve Segale returns in that position on April 18 after serving as breakfast producer at HOFM.

VICTORIA DOIDGE TO EVENT

Victoria Doidge, who served as Director of Marketing & Communications at the Sydney Opera House for five years, is now General Manager of Entertainment Marketing at cinema and hotel company Event Hospitality and Entertainment.

Doidge, who was also GM of Marketing & Communications at David Jones, first emerged in the mid-90s as Marketing Executive as one of Australia’s first online retailer, Chaos Music.

WARNER MUSIC EXPANDING IN CHINA

Warner Music Group is expanding its footprint in China as music consumption in that country leaps. Jackson Wong from Oriental DreamWorks will take over as Managing Director of China operations in Beijing.

He will oversee day to day operations and work with local partnerships to expand its reach.

NEW HIRE AT COPYRIGHT AGENCY

Former Australia Council executive Nicola Evans is joining the Copyright Agency as head of its philanthropic division, the Cultural Fund, which provides millions of dollars in funding to arts and literary organisations, and the teacher resource Reading Australia.

PERICLES TAKES ON MINT

Nia Pericles has taken over as Head of Development at Sydney-based production company Mint Pictures. She served 20 years as a producer, director and development executive across the factual and entertainment TV landscape including Fremantle Media and XYZ.

TYSON YOUNG ENTERS MEDIAWEEK

Tyson Young, most recently Commercial Manager at SameSame.com.au, is now at Mediaweek as Sales Manager looking after all its media properties.

IE DIGITAL GETS NEW DELIVERY

Melbourne digital marketing agency IE Digital has hired Laurel Chidgey as Head of Delivery to train staff to new practises after it took on a number of new clients.

TAG SNAGS DAVIDSON

Sydney-headquartered pro-audio company Technical Audio Group (TAG) appointed Bryan Davidson to fill the newly created position of Consultant Liaison. He was previously in a similar role at AV distributor Hills.