BREAKING: APRA AMCOS announces new CEO

Following Brett Cottle's announcement that he would step down in June 2018, the APRA AMCOS CEO has named his replacement.

International recruiting firm Odgers Berndtson were tasked with the search for a new CEO, but the perfect candidate was right under their nose, APRA AMCOS Head of Member Services, Dean Ormston.

Dean currently heads APRA AMCOS’ Member Services division and has over 20 years’ experience with the organisation in both member services and licensing areas. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Music, a post-graduate qualification in marketing and is a graduate of the High Potentials Leadership program at Harvard University.

APRA’s Chair, Jenny Morris, said: “The APRA Board is thrilled to announce Dean’s appointment to this crucial role. Dean has for many years been a brilliant and highly respected member of APRA’s senior management team. We have no doubt that Dean will bring a fresh and innovative approach to leadership, while building on, and safeguarding, the strengths and traditions of the organisation.”

Outgoing CEO Brett Cottle noted that “the Board could not have chosen a better or more qualified leader for the organisation. Apart from being tremendously capable, hard-working and dedicated, Dean is a fantastic person. He will provide great vision and inspiration for the extremely talented workforce we have at APRA AMCOS, and most of all place the members’ needs first and foremost in all circumstances.”

Cottle exits the role next year after 27 years leading the organisation.

APRA AMCOS recently announced a banner year of growth, with streaming proving to be the driving force behind the industry’s success. The total amount of royalties paid to songwriters, publishers, and affiliated societies equaled $335.9m, showing a 17.7% year on year growth.

The next highest area was that of streaming royalties, at $62.2m, which saw an unprecedented 127% year on year growth.