Power 50 - #34: Dean Ormston

BACKGROUND CHECK

Dean Ormston's credentials include completing a High Potentials Leadership Program at Harvard Business School in 2011. Ormston spent ten years as Board Director of Screenrights and is also Vice Chair of the Australian Copyright Council, a position he's held since 2009. Joining APRA AMCOS over 20 years ago, becoming Head Of Member Services in 2014, Ormston took over as CEO in 2018.

THE YEAR THAT WAS

In his role as CEO of APRA AMCOS, Ormston is pushing to put the music industry on the federal political map by positioning music as a cross-government portfolio opportunity – from local live shows to digital and global export. Ormston is also lobbying for an expanded Sounds Australia to maximise Australia’s potential as a music exporter. Other areas Ormston is committed to addressing include diversity, mental health awareness and supporting music managers within our sector.

2018'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT?

"Whether it's Australian music exports, musicians as small business, the educational, social and health benefits or the cultural and economic impact of our sector, convincing governments, oppositions and politicians across the political divide that the music industry is more than ‘arts’ is a journey we have made great strides in. For the first time ever we have a national music policy developed by the Labor Opposition with a commitment to funding that would see a commitment to copyright, and an investment in music education, live music, export, local content, management and mental health. For a long time we’ve referenced Sweden as a net exporter of music, and it’s time we set our sights on our music potential as a nation."