Mitaru McGaughey and Cassandra Paz named ARIA Board Observership Program participants for 2023

The Australia Recording Industry Association (ARIA) today announced updates to its Board, includingthe reappointment of Natalie Waller as Chair and the selection of Mitaru McGaughey and CassandraPaz as the 2023 participants in the ARIA Board Observership Program.

In addition to the selection of the Board Observership Program participants, Chris Maund and DavidVodicka return as directors following the annual election of Member representatives prior to theAGM in late 2022, and President of Universal Music Australia and New Zealand, Sean Warner; CEOand Chair of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand, Vanessa Picken; and Rebecca Sandel ofUniversal Music Australia have joined the Board.

Mitaru McGaughey is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Blak Label Music – a first nations led,independent record label that aims to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, stories, andart to a global stage.

Cofounding Blak Label Music in 2020, Mitaru then formally transitioned into the music industry andis currently a Clients Services Lead at The Annex, providing marketing and audience developmentservices to independent artists and labels.

Cassandra Paz is currently the Marketing Strategy and Audience Development Manager – Classicsand Jazz, at Universal Music Australia. 

She studied business and accountancy at Macquarie University, then worked at EY in audit, forensicsand tax across various industries including not-for-profit and entertainment sectors. She thentransitioned into the music industry by undertaking entertainment management studies at theAustralian Institute of Music, before joining Universal Music Australia. 

The ARIA Board Observership Program was established in 2019 in partnership with The ObservershipProgram, which was founded in 2014 to facilitate the involvement of young, talented and energeticindividuals in a structured experience on not-for-profit Boards. 

This year ARIA made two observership opportunities available. One for employees of ARIA Memberswho identify as female or non-binary, and one for employees of ARIA Members who identify as FirstNations

The Observership Program board placements provide valuable professional development fortalented employees within member companies, exposing them to the decision-making processesand corporate governance of boards. ARIA participates in the program to support emerging industryleaders and promote equality, diversity and inclusion on Boards across the Australian music industry.