ABC's Natalie Waller announced as newly elected ARIA Chair

The peak Australian music body, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), has announced Natalie Waller, head of ABC Music & Events, has been elected chair for a two-year term, effective immediately.

Natalie, who has been a member of the ARIA Board since February 2019, joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1998 in the ABC Music business team and held various roles including business manager. She was appointed to her current role in 2012. 

Natalie has worked across many genres within ABC Music mainly specialising in Australian music and championing niche genres. She also works with well-known ABC music brands including triple j. She currently holds the position as vice chair of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), was appointed to the Board of the Country Music Association (CMA) in January 2021 and is Chair of the CMA Australian Task Force.

Natalie said: “It is an absolute honour to be elected as ARIA’s new Chair. At this time of change and challenge for the Australian music industry, I’m determined to give my all to continuing ARIA’s mission of championing our fantastic artists and industry. I’m thoroughly excited to get to work with the Board, Annabelle and the ARIA team.”

ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Natalie as the new Chair of ARIA. During her time on the Board, she has demonstrated an incredible knowledge of the scope and diversity of the Australian music landscape. We are thoroughly looking forward to the next two years and continuing our mission to communicate the true economic and cultural value of our amazing recording industry.”

The members of the ARIA Board are:

Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australia
David Vodicka, Managing Director, Rubber Group of Companies
George Ash, Managing Director, Universal Music Australia
Gordon Pitt, Vice-President, Legal and Business Affairs, Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand
Karen Don, Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, Universal Music  Australia
Libby Blakey, Business Affairs Director, Warner Music Australia
Natalie Waller (Chair), Head of ABC Music & Events
Sebastian Chase, Founder, MGM Distribution
Sophie McArthur, Vice President, Partner Development and Streaming Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand

Board Observer: Sophie Paterson, Senior Director, Audience Development and Digital Communications, Sony Music Entertainment Australia