Lynne Small to Resign as COO of ARIA and PPCA

There are changes afoot at Australia’s peak trade body and the country’s labels’ copyright collecting society.

Lynne Small, the Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), has announced she will be stepping down from her joint role at the organizations as of April 30.

Small joined PPCA in 1996 following seven years spent at Festival Records as their Group Finance Manager. With her initial roles seeing her serve as Finance Manager and later Finance Administration Manager, Small’s presence within the company grew in the ensuing years, ultimately resulting in her appointment to General Manager of both PPCA and ARIA in 2011. 

In 2021, Small took over the role of Chief Operating Officer alongside the appointment of Annabelle Herd to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Small’s work within both ARIA and PPCA have seen her become one of the Australian music industry’s most respected figures, with her impact felt far beyond the two companies for which she has served. Small will continue in her current role until April 30, though she will continue to be engaged on a part-time basis to support key PPCA projects and assist with ARIA’s transition.

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“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have spent the majority of my career with organisations that support and champion Australian music,” Small said in a statement. “The friendships, challenges, and achievements over the past 28 years have been incredibly rewarding, and I am so grateful to have worked alongside such passionate and talented people, both inside and beyond ARIA and PPCA. 

“While I’m looking forward to the next chapter, I’ll always be invested in the ongoing success of ARIA, PPCA, and the Australian music industry, and a big supporter from the cheap seats!”

“Lynne’s legacy is immeasurable. She’s been more than a leader, she’s been the heartbeat of ARIA and PPCA, a trusted advisor, and a guiding force through decades of change,” Herd added. “Her encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry, coupled with her warmth, integrity, and sharp wit, will leave an incredible legacy and undeniably positive impact on all of Australian music. 

“While this is a significant change for ARIA and PPCA, we are fortunate to have Lynne’s continued support during the transition, and we will forever be grateful for her immense contribution.”

Alongside Small’s news, the organizations have announced that Julia Robinson will be promoted to Head of Government Relations and Programs, while Rohini Sivakumar will be promoted to General Counsel & Company Secretary. Their new roles will take effect as of May 1. 

ARIA and PPCA have also posted a job advertisement seeking a new Head Of Finance, with full details available via recruitment website SEEK.

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