EXCLUSIVE: QMusic CEO Angela Samut resigns

Angela Samut, the CEO of Queensland’s music industry development association, QMusic, has resigned, The Music Network can reveal.

Samut was named in an explosive expose piece by Poppy Reid at The Industry Observer this week which delves into allegations of sexual assault in Australia’s music industry.

Samut was not accused of being a perpetrator, however was named in the piece for the company’s role in sending a legal letter and the industry’s wider response after an artist alleged she was raped after Brisbane’s BIGSOUND conference.

TMN is not suggesting the piece in The Industry Observer and Samut’s departure are connected, something which a QMusic spokesperson confirmed.

The CEO joined the organisation in 2019. Prior to her time with QMusic, Samut had been a publicity and promotions manager for Paramount Pictures, the director and founder of Box Office Publicity, and the communications and marketing manager for Screen Queensland.

A job listing for the position, seen by TMN, suggests her replacement will be paid a base salary of between $160,000 and $165,000.

“As CEO, you will be the face of QMusic and a highly visible, strategic and hands-on leader, promoting collaboration and partnering, and identifying growth opportunities,” the ad said.

The role reports to the president and management committee and oversees operations and financial sustainability. The CEO is also charged with enhancing inclusion and diversity and working with a range of national stakeholders.

TMN understands a replacement CEO has been chosen, with contract negotiations with the successful candidate currently underway. An announcement is expected in the next two weeks, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.