Simone Schinkel Calls It A Day As Music Victoria CEO

Simone Schinkel will step down as CEO of Music Victoria at the end of the year.

Throughout her near-four-year term, Schinkel has overseen the organisation through the worst crisis the local music industry has seen in decades—the COVID-19 pandemic and years’ long government restrictions on live music venues—to the other side. Music Victoria secured $88 million in direct sector investment from the state government during her tenure.

Schinkel made changes within the Victorian music industry as CEO of Music Victoria. She released the paper Priorities for the Victorian Music Industry ahead of the 2022 state election (the government endorsed 75% of the proposals), introduced new Music Victoria Awards categories, oversaw icons like Kylie Minogue, Ollie Olsen, and Kutcha Edwards inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame, and undertook and released the first-ever Victorian Live Music Census in April 2023, amongst other achievements.

Schinkel will depart Music Victoria on 20 December 2024. The board is now commencing recruitment for her replacement.

Of her stepping down, Schinkel said, “My journey at Music Victoria was made possible through an incredible and inspiring community alliance. We have achieved some great outcomes, and it is a bittersweet moment that I announce my departure.” 

“While the landscape has changed during my time at Music Victoria, the power of music remains strong. We have continued to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. The Victorian music industry will continue to soar.”

She continued, “Our work is a collective effort, and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to engage with some incredible people to achieve our vision to champion for the entire Victorian music sector.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our 5,000+ members, our dedicated staff and Board – both past and present – and our partners, industry advisors, fellow peak bodies and collaborators.”

During Schinkel’s tenure, Kutcha Edwards said Music Victoria emerged as “an engaged and effective partner” with First Nations artists and communities. “This is a testament to her commitment to deep listening, reflecting and learning while consistently creating connection and representation time and time again.” 

Sophie Payten (aka Gordi), Music Australia board member, added: “Simone has made an invaluable contribution to music in Victoria. She led through a particularly difficult period during the pandemic and was able to navigate conversations with stakeholders and government in a way that united and motivated the industry.” 

Musician and disability advocate Eliza Hull commented that Schinkel made her feel “heard, respected, and valued.”

“Her passion for Victorian music, local artists and the local industry was evident in every decision she made,” Hull said. “She has always had her heart in the right place, remaining focused on the bigger picture, championing accessibility, inclusion and equity in every way. While I’m sad to see her go, I have no doubt she’ll continue to accomplish incredible things. A true advocate for all of us!”

Chris O’Neill, Chair of the Music Victoria Board, concluded: “Simone’s collaborative efforts with the Victorian Government have been instrumental in securing essential funding, supporting our diverse membership through the pandemic and the challenging times that have followed.

“Through her hard work, Simone has transformed Music Victoria’s operations, strengthened internal procedures and cultivated a positive, inclusive culture within our growing team. We extend our deepest thanks to Simone for her commitment and wish her every success in her future endeavours.”