The UK’s Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) has elected Azi Eftekhari as its new Chair.
Eftekhari, who has previously served on ERA’s Executive Board and Digital Board, takes over from James Morton of Sky, who has been the ERA Non-Executive Chair since 2018.
Eftekhari has a long-standing career in the music and entertainment industry, beginning her career in theatre production before switching to the music business.
She joined Universal Music as a press officer in its catalog division, before progressing to become Director Digital and Publicity at Universal’s Mercury Music Group.
In 2012 she joined Google, spending eight years there, rising to Head of Label Relations (EMEA) for YouTube, most recently overseeing the launch of YouTube Music across Europe.
In 2020 she co-founded a new company, Remedy Inc, focused on digital innovation, content creation and events.
Eftekhari is the first female to step into the ERA Chair role and will lead the Executive Board at ERA alongside Paul Firth, Director of Music International at Amazon; Kim Bayley, CEO, ERA; Phil Halliday, Managing Director at HMV; Drew Hill, Managing Director of Proper Music Distribution; Natasha Youngs, Owner, Resident Music; Tom Connaughton, Managing Director UK, Spotify and Dan Chalmers, Head of Music EMEA at YouTube.
“I’m delighted to be taking on this challenge and very much looking forward to working with the ERA team.”
Azi Eftekhari
Azi Eftekhari said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this challenge and very much looking forward to working with the ERA team.
“The past 12 months have shown the entertainment industry at its best, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
“The prospects for the coming months are far from clear but you can expect me to work closely with ERA’s board and members to continue to build on the positives, and drive forward our joint aims.”
“I am absolutely delighted to be working alongside Azi, who is of course not only ERA’s first ever female Chair, but more importantly brings a wealth of experience from her time at both Universal Music and at YouTube.”
Kim Bayley, ERA
Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA added: “I am absolutely delighted to be working alongside Azi, who is of course not only ERA’s first ever female Chair, but more importantly brings a wealth of experience from her time at both Universal Music and at YouTube.
“Her creativity, drive and knowledge of the entertainment world will be a huge asset as we embark upon the next few years of the Association’s development.
“I’d also like to thank our outgoing Chair James Morton for his huge contribution to ERA during his years at the helm.”
Music Business Worldwide