MMAD elects former iHeart COO Geraint Davies as chair

Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) has revealed its chairperson is former COO of iHeartRadio Australia, Geraint Davies.

MMAD is an Australian charity which aims to change the lives of young people - particularly those who have suffered abuse, neglect and disadvantage - through the power of music.

Davies was most recently chief operating officer at Australian Radio Network's (ARN) iHeartRadio, however was stood down as part of COVID-19 cutbacks and ultimately departed as part of a restructure.

This morning, ARN revealed two new hires in the iHeartRadio Australia team, including Shannon Fong as music & operations manager.

Throughout his career, Davies has also been COO of APN Outdoor and Austereo.

Davies told The Music Network he'd been a director with MMAD previously, and was humbled to be elected chair.

"I am always inspired by the dedication of the MMAD team and the incredible work they do to engage with Australia's most underprivileged and at-risk youth," he added via an official statement.

"They have, in my opinion, an unparalleled power to connect with those most disenfranchised in the community/ To be elected as chair of MMAD is both an honour and privilege, especially at such a critical time in the charity's growth," he said.

"The pandemic has taught us all that social and creative interaction is paramount to our wellbeing; this charity's work has never been ore essential in the community.

"MMAD will continue to reach young people who need someone to believe in them and the opportunity to reach their potential."

The organisation also recently appointed Meg Collins as communications and community co-ordinator, thanks to support from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

Collins has previously worked in music publicity and management, as well as with APRA AMCOS in communications. She said she's overjoyed to now be working with the talented team at MMAD.

"Personally, it has been an incredible experience seeing how the MMAD programs each week are actively changing and impacting the next generation of Australian musicians. The work that MMAD does as a youth-focused music charity is so needed for our younger generation and I’m very excited to part of the team to continue to expand the already fantastic work MMAD does as a charity," she said.

MMAD said it has an ambitious 2021 planned, including the continued expansion of MMAD Day, growth across its key programs, and a world-first online youth music resource.