The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced updates to its Board and named new participants in the ARIA Board Observership Program.
In today’s announcement, ARIA has revealed that Head of ABC Music Natalie Waller has been re-elected Chair of the ARIA Board. Meanwhile, Sean Warner, President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand, has been elected Deputy Chair. And the Observership Program participants are Luke Vespa and Laura Edwards.
In addition to being Head of ABC Music, Waller was first elected Chair of ARIA in 2021. Her role at ABC Music has involved working with some of Australia’s most successful artists and catapulting the label to unprecedented success. With local acts signed and collaborating with triple j on Like A Version, Waller’s impact is strong at home—and also abroad.
In the US, Waller is a Director of the Country Music Association (CMA) Board and previously served as Vice President of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA). Plus, she’s a mentor in AIR’s Women In Music program.
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Sean Warner was appointed President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand in 2023. Leading the label’s strategic direction, Warner spotlights homegrown artists while strengthening the label’s reputation. He’s been with Universal for nearly two decades, having previously served as Senior Vice President of Commercial.
This year’s ARIA Board Observership Program participants have also formed impressive careers within the Australian music industry. Vespa is the Streaming Partners Lead for Australia and New Zealand and Southeast Asia at Warner Music Australia, while Edwards is a Senior Streaming Partnerships Manager at Universal Music Australia.
Discussing the Board’s decision to re-elect her as Chair of the ARIA Board, Waller said she’s “deeply honoured” and expressed gratitude to continue championing local artists.
“I’m deeply honoured to be re-elected as Chair of the ARIA Board,” Waller said. “ARIA’s advocacy and leadership are essential to strengthening Australia’s music industry, and I’m grateful to continue working with such dedicated colleagues to champion our artists and amplify the value of Australian music.
“I’d like to thank the Board for their ongoing support and acknowledge [ARIA CEO] Annabelle [Herd] and the entire ARIA team for their hard work and commitment to our industry.”
Warner added that he’s honoured to be elected Deputy Chair “at such an important time” for Australian music, saying that he’s looking forward to working with the ARIA Board and CEO Annabelle Herd to “continue strengthening the local music industry.”
“I’m honoured to be elected Deputy Chair of the ARIA Board at such an important time for Australian music,” Warner said. “ARIA plays a vital role in supporting domestic artists and the broader community, and I look forward to working closely with the Board and Annabelle to continue strengthening the local music industry.
“Together, we have a significant opportunity to drive sustainable growth, nurture the next generation of Australian talent, and ensure our industry remains innovative, inclusive and globally competitive.”
