U2 switch management, CMA appoints new CEO, and changes at SCA and 2UE

Oseary already managing U2

Although the New York Post just broke the story of Madonna’s manager Gary Oseary taking over day-to-day management of U2, it seems he began duties some months ago. Paul McGuiness becomes Executive Manager.

Changes at SCA’S Flying EMU

There are changes afoot at Southern Cross Austereo’s Flying EMU division. The GM Ben Parsons (also its head of television) is leaving the company. Director Grant Tothill is being moved to another still unannounced division in SCA.

Two leave 2UE promo

Sydney talkback station 2UE is down two in its promo division. Promotions and Marketing Director Trevor Farrugia quit to join Fox Sports, while promotions executive Alice Pavey is relocating to Canada.

Stuart Sayers sets up Amazon Australia

Yahoo!7 CEO Stuart Sayers is leaving in January 2014 to set up Amazon Australia. The new online operation could see thousands of products available in Australia at prices that undercut major retailers by up to 50% claim sources.

Nathan Farrell to curate Live and Local

Nathan Farrell, booker for Sydney’s The Basement and Newtown Festival, will also curate Live and Local. Set up by APRA AMCOS and the AHA NSW, it is a week long showcase of Sydney’s inner city live music venues as part of ARIA Week from Monday, November 25 through to Sunday, December 1.

New CEO for Universal Music Japan

Universal Music Japan promoted President of Domestic Labels, Naoshi Fujikura, to President and CEO effective January 2014. Kazu Koike, who served in the positions for four years, becomes Non-Executive Chairman.

Natalie Edgar to BBC

BBC Worldwide appointed ABC1 Deputy Controller, Natalie Edgar, to the role of Director of Television for Australia & New Zealand.

Three additions to ESAA board

At last week’s AGM for Event Safety Alliance (Australia), Jim Fiddler and David Storie were voted to the board. A new board position, Non Executive, was introduced, and taken up by Steve Allen.

Cheryl Ward runs new Coffs Harbour festival

A new NSW festival, The Cre8 Coffs Coast Arts Festival, will be run by Cheryl Ward. Held January 24 to 26, it features music, visual arts, performance, digital media, dance, artisans and the written word.

Lindsay Ellis heading to B105 Brisbane

Lindsay Ellis, Music Director and morning announcer at Canberra’s 104.7 is leaving to join B105 Brisbane early 2014 as AMD.

Steve Ismay retires after 40 years in hi fi

Steve Ismay, long time Product Manager at hi-fi brand Denon, is retiring this week, and moving to Queensland. During his 40 years in the business, he worked in both retail and wholesale.

David McDonald opts for Variety 

David McDonald, former GM at 4BC/4BH Brisbane, is now CEO at Queensland children’s charity Variety.

Val Morgan ramps up sales team

Val Morgan announced Alex Kerley (ex- Salmat and previously VIC/SA/WA Sales Manager for Adshel) as Melbourne Cinema Sales director. It made two promotions to its Sydney sales team: Chris Norris as Sydney Sales Director for Cinema and Katharine Ingram as Group Account Manager.

Lucy Cousins appointed editor of Dolly and Cleo

When Bauer Media decided to merge Dolly and Cleo, their respective editors Tiffany Dunk and Sharri Markson had to reapply for the new post. Bauer startled everyone by bringing in an outsider, Women’s Fitness editor Lucy Cousins, to the role.

CMA appoints new CEO

The Country Music Association appointed TV executive of 27 years, Sarah Trahern as new CEO. Trahern moved to Nashville in 1995 to combine her experience in live TV and passion for music especially country music”.

New director for Ten Days on the Island

The new (and fourth) artistic director for Tasmania’s Ten Days on the Island festival is David Malacari who signed up for two festivals. He just finished overseeing the Parramasala international contemporary arts festival in Parramatta, Sydney, has directed the Auckland Arts Festival and was the producer of the 2011 Commonwealth Festival in Perth. He says Tasmania is going through a cultural renaissance similar to 1970s Adelaide.