New WAM President

9 May

A new board was elected at WAM’s Annual General Meeting to continue shaping a healthy future for WA’s music industry. At the first meeting this week, a number of positions shifted to assist in further strengthening, diversifying and revitalizing WAM, and we’re most pleased to announce Al Taylor as the newly elected President.

Al is Managing Director of 303LOWE, one of Australia’s most successful advertising agencies. He is an internationally awarded communications strategist and brings with him over two decades of business strategy and management experience. He is very active in the arts community via his ongoing consultancy work and involvement at a board level with Awesome Arts and as a Councilor with Creative Partnerships Australia. And [insert drum roll] he’s also a drummer!

WAM CEO Mike Harris commented, “WAM is entering an exciting time with a raft of potential and opportunity ahead of us. I look forward to working with Al in his role as President of WAM and positioning the organisation to best champion WA music. Al has a wealth of music, arts and business experience that will serve him and WAM exceedingly well during his tenure as President.”

WAM President Al Taylor added, “West Australian contemporary music is really leading the charge in Australia, as evidenced by the last ARIA Awards. Its contribution to the state both culturally and economically is significant and undeniable. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to work alongside Mike and lead the WAM Board as we move into a new era, and to contribute to elevating the West Australian music industry to a whole new level – one that is commensurate to its contribution to WA and the WAM brand.”

Producer and owner of The Lollybox studio, Noah Shilkin will take Taylor’s place as Vice President. Also a seasoned performer, Shilkin has worked with international recording artists ranging from Alanis Morissette to AC/DC, and played keyboard for New Zealand cult band Mother Goose. Executive board membership also sees KPMG’s Restructuring Services Director Steve McCabe continuing his role as Treasurer, as well as RedRock Music creator and band manager Bel Skinner remaining as Secretary.

WAM welcomed fresh perspectives, new board members including key industry figures Jake Snell (Monster Management) and Stefan Caramia (Director of Teledex). They join David Hyams (musician/honourable WAM Lifetime Member) and Simon Reed (partner in law firm Freehills). WAM would also like to thank Andrew Zell for his generous time and impressive contribution, now stepping down from the Board and as President.

Interviews/More info here.