APRA AMCOS Announces New CEO Ahead Of Brett Cottle's Departure

Outgoing APRA AMCOS chief executive Brett Cottle can rest assured that the joint industry bodies will be left in more-than-capable hands when he departs mid-next year, with the companies' boards of directors today announcing his successor in long-time senior manager Dean Ormston.

Ormston has more than 20 years' experience across a diversity of APRA AMCOS' operations, and is currently the head of their Member Services division. He has tertiary qualifications in both marketing and music education, and is an alumnus of Harvard University's High Potentials Leadership program.

Cottle seems more than satisfied by the decision, enthusing of Ormston's appointment that "the board could not have chosen a better or more qualified leader for the organisation".

"Apart from being tremendously capable, hard-working and dedicated, Dean is a fantastic person," he said in a statement. "He will provide great vision and inspiration for the extremely talented workforce we have at APRA AMCOS, and most of all place the members' needs first and foremost in all circumstances."

The respective chairs of both APRA and AMCOS, Jenny Morris and Ian James, similarly praised Ormston's character and achievements in making the announcement of his succession to Cottle's post.

"The APRA board is thrilled to announce Dean's appointment to this crucial role," Morris said. "Dean has for many years been a brilliant and highly respected member of APRA's senior management team. We have no doubt that Dean will bring a fresh and innovative approach to leadership, while building on, and safeguarding, the strengths and traditions of the organisation."

Echoed James: "Among Dean's many skills is his wonderful ability to communicate the importance of music and to advocate the case for music creators in government circles.

"His recent experience in that role will stand the two collecting societies in excellent stead moving forward."

Cottle will bring his 27-year stint as chief executive to a close when he steps down on 30 June 2018. Ormston will remain in his current role through 1 July, with transition arrangements set to be implemented in the near future.