The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) today announced updates to its Board, including the selection of Michelle Tier as the participant in the ARIA Board Observership Program in 2022.
In addition to the selection of the Board Observership Program participant, David Vodicka has been re-elected to the Board while Chris Maund has been elected to replace Sebastian Chase.
Michelle Tier is currently the Artist Development Lead at Universal Music Australia (UMA). Michelle joined UMA in 2017, working across the rosters of Capitol Music Group, all Universal UK labels (including Polydor, Island, EMI and Capitol), UMG Nashville and UMA partner labels.
On her selection, Michelle said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be selected to participate in the 2022 ARIA Observership program and have the opportunity to learn and work with some of our industry’s leaders. The music industry has faced many challenges over these past few years and I look forward contributing to ARIA and an industry I’ve loved working in for so many years.”
ARIA Chair, Natalie Waller, added: “I am thrilled to welcome Michelle as this year’s participant in the ARIA Board Observership Program. I am confident her experience will provide an exceptional contribution and insight. The program itself has proven incredibly valuable to introduce diverse thinking and new ideas, and I look forward to seeing what it will bring in 2022. I am also looking forward to continuing working with David and am excited to welcome Chris. I would like to congratulate them both on their appointment.”
The ARIA Board Observership Program was established in 2019 in partnership with The Observership Program, which was founded in 2014 to facilitate the involvement of young, talented and energetic individuals in a structured experience on non-for-profit Boards.
ARIA’s program provides valuable professional development for talented employees within member companies, exposing them to the decision-making processes and corporate governance of the ARIA Board. The program exists to support emerging industry talent and promote equality, diversity and inclusion on Boards across the Australian music industry.
David Vodicka is managing director of the Rubber Group of Companies. He is also Principal of entertainment law firm Media Arts Lawyers and owner of Rubber Group Of Companies. He has many decades of experience in the music industry and also serves on the Board of Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA).
Chris Maund is Chief Operating Officer of The Mushroom Group’s label and publishing divisions. Chris boasts 20 plus years’ experience working as a music lawyer and running independent labels.
