Peter Hebbes AM Announces Music Industry Retirement

Peter Hebbes AM has announced his retirement from the music industry after serving the business for over 50 years.

APRA AMCOS and AMPAL have shared farewell messages for the music industry legend. After serving them for decades, Hebbes will retire from the AMCOS and AMPAL Boards on Tuesday, 19 November.

Hebbes launched his career in London in the ‘70s, beginning in artist management with Peter Gormley. In those days, he worked with the iconic Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Richards, and The Shadows.

After moving to Australia in 1977, Hebbes was named the A&R Director at Festival Records and Music Publishing before becoming the company's Managing Director.

He left the organisation in 1993, accepting the position of Managing Director at Universal/MCA Music Publishing Group. In 2000, Hebbes went independent, launching his own music publishing, business management, and consultancy company, Hebbes Music Group. The company was crowned Independent Music Publisher of the Year in 2003 by The Music Network.

Thanks to his efforts in the music industry and charity work for organisations including Noro, The Golden Stave Foundation, and Variety—the Children’s Charity, Hebbes was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). 

Hebbes served on the Board of AMPAL for over 40 years and as its General Manager from 2010 to 2012. He also served on the Board of APRA from 1988 to 2000 and on the Board of AMCOS for 34 years.

Hebbes has enjoyed a career that has made him a “key player” in the music industry. He’s recognised as a trusted leader in music publishing, record labels, and artist management.

Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, described Hebbes as “an absolutely pivotal player” in the Australian music industry. He added that Hebbes’ career “will be remembered for a long time to come.”

Ormston continued, “Through his work with APRA AMCOS and many other organisations and charities in the music industry, he has brought great passion, dedication and guidance to everyone he’s worked with, and he will be sorely missed. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Clive Hodson, Chair of AMPAL, called Hebbes a “friend and colleague” for over 30 years. “Throughout this time, I have witnessed his selfless dedication to his writers and invaluable support to the boards and organisations he has been part of,” Hodson said.

“His 40-plus years as a valued AMPAL Board member have showcased his deep knowledge, expertise and love of music, making him a valued asset to both the Board and our wider membership. 

“His lifelong friendships with some of the world's most respected artists are a testament to his integrity as a person. AMPAL, and I personally, will miss Peter for his insight and commitment as a valued member of the Board.”