Maria Amato to front AIR temporarily

While yesterday’s announcement of Dan Nevin’s departure from AIR is undoubtedly a large loss for Australia’s independent label sector, there is one silver lining: The largely male-dominated sector will be managed, albeit in the short term, by a woman.

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR)’s current CFO, Maria Amato will take over AIR as interim General Manager on June 15 for the short term.

With 10 years experience at AIR in various capacities, Amato currently assists the AIR board with strategic planning, the annual Awards and their commercial and sponsorship relations. Amato told TMN her additional role as GM will be to primarily care-take the organisation while it seeks a suitable replacement for Nevin. 

Amato is also the director of accounting and management consultancy company Results Management, where for 22 years she has helped improve productivity for her clients in the arts, entertainment, retail and service sectors. From 2010-2014 she was the CEO/CFO of the Melbourne International Film Festival and from 2012-2014 was a Board member of Music Victoria.

Following Nevin’s final day as CEO of AIR on June 15, he and his family will relocate to the UK as his wife takes on a job opportunity at a global design agency in London.

Amato told TMN she’ll be starting her duties early as she heads to New York for the Indie Week conference (June 13 – June 16) with a group of delegates representing the Australian independent music sector.

Amato’s following projects will include AIR’s annual membership drive, the planning for its annual Awards and conference and developing partnership opportunities. 

AIR Chairman, David Vodicka said of Amato yesterday: “Maria knows the organisation and its requirements inside out and she will represent AIR exceptionally well in Dan’s absence.

“We are also fortunate to have former AIR CEO, Stuart Watters, working with us on Industry Advocacy & Government Relations matters, moving into his third year in the role. Additionally, Jesse Lubitz remains with AIR as the Membership & Operations Manager".

According to a report released by triple j on International Women’s Day this March, 80% of indie record labels are managed by men. Meanwhile the study found women make up only 31% of board members on peak music bodies in Australia. The nine-member AIR board features no women and neither does the ARIA board.

Thankfully though, Amarto, who herself is one of many women who have made important contributions to the arts industries, believes “the tide is turning.”

“In my view, the indie label sector is dominated by passionate, innovative people that are proud to be independently owned and operated. My own introduction into the music industry began 25 years ago when I was engaged by a female GM, and whilst there may not currently be as many women as men in senior roles in this industry, the tide is turning.

“I have found the men that I have worked with to be very supportive of equal opportunity and say to anyone: if you have the drive, the passion and the determination and are prepared to put in the hard yards – doors will open!”