Aus Indie Record Labels Association CEO Dan Nevin Resigns

A few months shy of two years after taking the role, Australian Independent Record Labels Association chief executive Dan Nevin has announced his resignation from the trade body to relocate to the UK with his family.

"We have a wonderful opportunity to relocate as a family and consequently I have had to announce my departure from AIR," Nevin said in a statement. "I'm excited by what may lay ahead, although it will be sad to leave a role that I have been so committed to, and I will miss the great work and people with whom I was privileged to be involved, not least the AIR members, staff and Board.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked for AIR and am proud of the tangible benefits the organisation has been able to deliver through an immense period of change over the last 18 months, and I have no doubt that AIR will continue to build on its valuable work.

Nevin joined AIR in October 2014, with the company's Chairman, David Vodicka, effusing of the departing CEO's contributions: "We wish Dan well on his next chapter, and we're very grateful for the impact he has had on AIR in the relatively short time we were able to gain the benefit of his services.

"This also presents a great opportunity for AIR to recruit another champion for the independent sector, which we will look to do shortly."

As Vodicka implies, there has been no permanent replacement announced to step into Nevin's shoes once he takes off; however, the chairman explains that current chief financial officer Maria Amato — who has more than 10 years' experience with AIR — will assume the mantle of interim general manager, while former AIR CEO Stuart Watters also remains with the organisation, moving into his third year in Industry Advocacy & Government Relations. Membership & operations manager Jesse Lubitz also remains as a familiar face.

Nevin will wrap his chapter with AIR on 15 June, but it's unlikely to be the last we hear from the local music torch-bearer.

"The independent sector has played such a crucial role in Australia's rich cultural and musical history," Nevin said in a statement. "With our artists continuing to do great things internationally, it is vital that industry and government alike support the breeding ground of independent music labels and businesses.

"I personally will continue to wave the Australian indie flag from the UK, and will always be available to support any Australian independent artists and labels as required."