The Australian Recording Industry Association has a new boss, following the decision by Warner CEO Ed St. John to ‘step down’ earlier this month. Showing ARIA’s desire to move with the times and get some fresh perspective and new blood, they’ve announced Denis Handlin, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia & New Zealand, as St. John’s replacement. Handlin was ARIA Chairman from 1998 to 2008 and has almost 40 years music business experience.
In a media statement, Handlin said: “I am absolutely delighted to once again have the opportunity to take up the role of chairman of ARIA. Government relations will be high on the agenda, particularly the ongoing and serious challenge of illegal file sharing and its impact on the industry.”
Whether Handlin will demand the government legislate the return of tapes, vinyl and CDs as the only permissible form of getting a record into the charts; and Molly Meldrum deciding what is a hit on Countdown on a Sunday night, remains to be seen.
