Annabelle Herd announced as new ARIA CEO
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27.01.2021

Annabelle Herd announced as new ARIA CEO

Words by Will Brewster

She'll assume the top job from Monday February 1.

Following Dan Rosen’s departure from the job last year, ARIA and PPCA have today announced Annabelle Herd as their new Chief Executive Officer in 2021, ushering in a new era for the music industry body.

Summary

  • New ARIA CEO Herd previously worked as COO for Network Ten until her departure in March 2020 when the company merged with Viacom CBS.
  • ARIA and PPCA General Manager Lynne Small has also been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
  • Former ARIA CEO Dan Rosen left the role after ten years in the job to assume the role of President with Warner Music Australia.

For all the latest updates in the Australian music industry and to check out relevant job openings, head here. 

In addition to her 15 year stint with Network Ten, Herd has also worked as Senior Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff for former Liberal Party Minister for Communications and the Arts, Richard Alston, as well as legal roles with the Attorney-General’s Department, Australian Digital Alliance and Australian Libraries Copyright Committee.

Additionally, Herd also sits on the board of Save The Children Australia and operates as a council member of broadcast and film school AFTRS, bringing a wealth of industry experience to the job in what’s undeniably a pivotal time for the Australian music industry.

ARIA have also announced that longtime executive and General Manager Lynne Small has also received a company promotion, with Small now operating as ARIA and PPCA Chief Operating Officer.

“I am delighted to be taking on this role serving and supporting our amazing Australian music industry at a time when the inspiration, connection and joy that our artists and musicians give us is more important than ever,” Herd said of her appointment in a statement shared today.

“The last year has been challenging for our artists and members, so I look forward to representing and advancing the interests of those who make our industry so special given the pivotal time that we are in.”

Denis Handlin AO, who functions as the Chairman of ARIA in addition to his role as CEO of Sony Music Australia, applauded the appointment of Herd in a statement of his own today.

“On behalf of the ARIA Board, we are delighted that Annabelle has joined the organisation and we look forward to the wonderful value and experience that she brings to the role,” said Handlin.

“With her unique quality background, skills, and leadership, as well as her tremendous passion for Australian music, we know that she will help take ARIA forward into a new era and achieve so much for the artists and industry.

“I would also like to congratulate Lynne Small on her well-deserved new role, and we all recognise how integral Lynne is to ARIA and PPCA.”

PPCA Chairman George Ash also expressed his excitement towards Herd’s new role, saying that “On behalf of behalf of the board of PPCA we are excited to have Annabelle join the organisation in her new role as CEO. Annabelle will bring an incredible new focus to our organisation representing artists and labels across the industry.

“She brings immense skills and experience from the entertainment industry and a true love of artists and music.

“We look forward a new future at PPCA where Annabelle’s innovation and energy will bring a new outlook to the organisation and our artist community.”

Find out more about Herd’s background over at the ARIA website today.