A2IM Announces Newly Elected Board Members 2018
A2IM CEO Richard James Burgess says, “The A2IM Board’s input and guidance is foundational to our stability, our growth and the focus of A2IM. We are lucky as an organization to have so many experienced leaders giving their time and expertise so generously to benefit the entire independent sector. I want to thank the board and advisory board members past and present for their support and thanks in particular to our outgoing members Amy Dietz (Ingrooves), Martin Mills (Beggars Group), and our Board Chairman Darius Van Arman (Secretly Group). Thanks also to our outgoing advisory board members, Rob Filomena (Industria Works), Dara Frank (Comedy Central Records), and Jason McGuire (Stones Throw Records).”
The Board is elected by A2IM’s membership of more than 590 Independent music labels representing a diverse array of musical genres, geographic locations and label sizes. The four incoming members are: Kris Gillespie (Managing Director, Domino Recording Co), Laura Ballance (President & Co-Founder, Merge Records), Rosie Lopez (President, Tommy Boy), and Tony Kiewel (President, Sub Pop Records).
The newly elected members will each serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors.
A2IM also welcomes six representatives to the CEO’s Advisory Board, as appointed by CEO Richard James Burgess with ratification by the Board. The Advisory Board’s role is to expand the expertise available to the organization while increasing the Board’s diversity.
Newly appointed members of the A2IM CEO’s Advisory Board (listed alphabetically)
- Steven Hill (Warp Records)
- Mark Jowett (Nettwerk)
- Lisa Levy (Robbins Entertainment)
- Mike Olsen (Entertainment One)
- Mark Robinson (300 Entertainment)
- Zena White (Partisan Records)
The new board’s term officially begins on July 4, 2018 although the new board and advisory board officers were introduced this week at A2IM Indie Week.
Quotes from the Incoming A2IM Board of Directors
(listed alphabetically by first name)
“I would like to thank the members of the American Association Of Independent Music for their support of my candidacy. It’s an interesting and challenging time for the independent community and I hope to represent the interests of the whole of our membership with equanimity. I look forward to working with Richard and the rest of the board to help grow and empower the organization.”
Kris Gillespie
Managing Director, Domino Recording Co.
“I am looking forward to serving on the A2IM board. It feels like a great learning opportunity and I hope my perspective as an artist as well as a label owner will be useful to the board.”
Laura Ballance
President & Co-Founder, Merge Records
“I am pleased and honored to join the passionate group of executives serving on A2IM’s Board of Directors! As a lifelong “indie,” I remain committed to empowering artists and independent label owners in forging a level playing field that allows the spirit of creativity to thrive. Together we will continue to redefine the music business as a fair and equitable ecosystem that respects and rewards all those who claim their own independence as a pinnacle rather than as a stepping stone.”
Rosie Lopez
President, Tommy Boy
“I have learned and benefited so much from the work A2IM has done over the years that it’s truly an honor to now find myself a part of it’s board. Frankly, I’m surprised they’ve allowed me to associate with such a thoughtful and knowledgeable group of people… Despite this clear lapse of judgement on their part, I am eager to contribute as much as I possibly can to their incredibly important mission of aiding and advocating on behalf of the independent music community.”
Tony Kiewel
President, Sub Pop Records
The A2IM team, Board, and membership also thank all the candidates who ran for the Board.