Musical Chairs: September 7

Kathleen Hanna, Mark Arm, join Double J

Double J’s monthly Artist in Residence (3 – 5pm every Sunday) – in which a prominent artist will deliver their world of music – has tapped original Riot Grrrl Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, The Julie Ruin) in September and Mark Arm (Mudhoney, Green River, Monkeywrench) in October.

Hanna’s residency will celebrate female music pioneers, dancefloor and DIY heroes and landmark songs made by women from folk to punk and pop. She’s also prepared a special program dissecting and comparing classic covers with their original versions.

Arm’s five weeks behind the mic sees him raid his own music collection, “as well as the record crates of his bandmates in garage-psych supergroup Monkeywrench, to find the fuzziest, most spaced-out nuggets for your ears.”

Listeners can tune in on their mobile, digital radio, on Channel 200 on their digital TV and online at doublej.net.au. Each show can be streamed for a week after it is broadcast.

Angela Clark exits ABC Director of Innovation role

After four years as the ABC’s Director of Innovation, Angela Clark has exited to pursue opportunities in the commercial world. Clark was instrumental in the public broadcaster’s often innovative move into the digital and new technology space and to make its content available to a wider audience at all times and all devices. Former Managing Director Mark Scott poached the one-time Macquarie Radio Network CEO (until 2009) for her understanding of radio audiences, and her involvement in the hyper-local news start-up streetcorner.com.au of which she was CEO. Clark was also a previous MD of outdoor firm JC Decaux. Clark’s is the first senior executive move at the ABC since new Managing Director Michelle Guthrie took over in May.

Ministry of Sound announces new CEO to expand globally

Jonathan Bevan, who was President of Clear Channel Australia/NZ and Europe, took over this week as the new London-based CEO of the UK-based global company Ministry of Sound Group. The move comes as CEO Lohan Presencer moved up to Chairman, taking over from company founder Lord James Palumbo. Bevan will drive the firm’s international expansion.

“As Ministry of Sound approaches its 25th anniversary later this month I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities for the business,” Bevan said. “There are several new ventures in late stages of development which we will be announcing shortly.”

Last month, Sony Music Entertainment acquired Ministry of Sound Recordings, with Sony’s UK operations taking over its artists, back catalogue and compilations business.

AIM names Paul Pacifico as new CEO

The London-based Association of Independent Music (AIM) has appointed Paul Pacifico as its new CEO, effective November 1. Pacifico was previously CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and President of the International Artist Organisation (IAO).

He said that he would face the challenge of building up from the remarkable work done over 17 years in the role by Alison Wenham, who is about to take on CEO duties at the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN).

“The increasingly important role of independent music both culturally and commercially across the world means that, more than ever, AIM has a key role to play ensuring that our members’ voices are heard and that they continue to have real say in the future of our industry.”

New radio gig for Survivor

Star 102.7 Cairns presenter and one time Rugby Union pro Barry Lee, who was voted off Australian Survivor, has a new radio gig – doing mornings at Star 106.3 Townsville.

Global hires for Deezer

As Deezer expands globally, it’s made two senior appointments to drive further business growth. Jorge Rincon is named Vice President of North America and Phil Moore Vice President of Southern Europe and MEA.

Rincoin joins at a time when Deezer is breaking into the US market. He was Director of Digital Products and Business Development for international telecommunications and media company Millicom, COO of Adsmovil where he led the US Hispanic and Latin America markets, CEO of LatCel and COO of US and Latin American mobile portal StarMedia Networks.

He said, “The US music streaming market is an extremely interesting and competitive space and one that is ripe for the taking. Deezer has a huge opportunity to expand its offering and grow its user base and I am thrilled to be the person who will be responsible for driving that forward.”

Moore has 25 years in the telecoms and consumer electronics. Most recently, he was at Huawei Technologies, where he transformed the O2 Telefonica business, and worked extensively with network providers and retailers such as Vodafone, Palm and Microsoft.

Moore said: “I’m excited to be joining Deezer at this pivotal point in our journey. Not only is there huge potential for growing the brand, but there is a real appetite for another player to enter these markets that can bring something new to the table. I have every confidence that we will succeed.”

Tony Momolovic departs i96FM

After 12 years at Wollongong’s i96FM as announcer and station producer, Tony Momolovic has left for new career paths. He used to host the HITStory and Flashback programs.

New AD, co-CEO for St Martins

Director and producer Nadja Kostich begins in October as Artistic Director and co-CEO of St Martins Youth Arts Centre for the next three years. She replaces current AD Clare Watson who moves to Perth to take on that role as the Black Swan State Theatre Company.

Gregg Easton goes full-time

After several months in the dual roles of Assistant Content Director and Morning Show host, Gregg Easton becomes full-time Content Director at Grant Broadcasters’ 2EC and Power FM Bega Bay.

Matt McEvoy joining LMG

Matt McEvoy takes over on September 12 as Category Manager – Wine, at the Liquor Marketing Group (LMG). He was previously eleven years at Chambers Cellars, most recently as marketing and label manager for wines.

Westfield Corp appoints Broadway producer

Australian retail giant Westfield Corporation is poaching Broadway producer Scott Sanders to head its entertainment offerings with the title Creative Head of Global Entertainment. Westfield has 35 malls in the US, UK and Europe. As part of a way to get customers into stores, the 59-year old Sanders’ hole is to come up with performances to create “unique and spectacular events,” he said, possibly including music, dance, food and fashion. Sanders worked with acts as Madonna and Sting, as well as Michael Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show.

Greg Marella at Capitol Music

Greg Marella joins Capitol Music Group as EVP of Promotion, replacing Greg Thompson, who left to become President of Madonna and U2 manager Guy Oseary’s Maverick Music management company. Marella worked in similar roles at Interscope Geffen A&M and MCA Records.

BMG promotes Scherer to EVP US publishing

BMG expanded EVP of international writer services Thomas Scherer to include the role of EVP of US publishing working with the company’s creative teams in New York and Los Angeles.

Mediaworks NZ’s new CEO

New Zealand’s MediaWorks has appointed board director Jack Matthews as its new Chairman. He replaces Rod McGeoch from the end of September. Matthews held executive roles including CEO Fairfax Metro Media (Australia), COO Jupiter Programming (Japan), CEO Showtime (Australia) and CEO TelstraSaturn (NZ). He said he looked forward to working with a strong board, management team and a committed and passionate staff focused on maintaining MediaWorks as a successful and important part of New Zealanders’ daily lives.”

Anthony Till exits radio

Anthony Till, breakfast announcer with Radio West Merredin, WA, for the past three years is leaving the radio industry. He and his wife Carolyn are moving to Perth to begin a new chapter in their lives.

New CEO for Hills

David Lenz has taken over as CEO of Australian audio distributor Hills from Grant Logan who opted to retire at the end of his contract. Lenz is currently COO and head of the company’s Building Technologies division.

Knight to hold reins at Nightlife

Dominic Knight will temporarily sit in as host for ABC radio’s Nightlife until a replacement for Tony Delroy is confirmed.