Iain Watt, the former Managing Director of YMU Music in the UK, has joined NFT platform Serenade’s Advisory Board as Chairman.
Founded by Australian tech entrepreneur Max Shand, Serenade launched in August 2021.
Serenade is an NFT marketplace that allows fans to buy, sell, collect and showcase digital collectibles.
An early investor in the company, Serenade says that Watt will head a group of fellow “experts” whose remit will be “help steer the company through the international music industry and to sense check and advise the company on its ongoing commercial and strategic activities.”
Alongside the news of Watt’s hiring, Serenade has also announced a number of new investors.
Among the new round of industry investors are Damian Christian of Atlantic Records, Reynold D’Silva of Silva Screen Records, Danny Rogers of Lunatic Entertainment, Bernard Fanning of Powderfinger, Paul Piticco and Jessica Ducrou of Splendour in the Grass/Secret Sounds, Jaddan Comerford of Unified Music, Nathan McLay of Future Classic, Dan Rosen of Warner Music Group, David Hancock of Afterpay and actor Hugh Jackman.
Watt is the latest UK industry figure to join Serenade after British executive Mike Walsh joined the company as its UK Head of Strategic Partnerships in September 2021.
Serenade is also currently hiring for a Head of Strategic Partnerships, North America, with a remit to “develop the North American artist and partner acquisition and success strategy”, “drive revenue by identifying growth opportunities in market”, and develop the company’s North American business development strategy.
“we have been blown away by the support we’ve received from artists, their representatives and the wider music industry.”
Max Shand, Serenade
Max Shand, Founder and CEO of Serenade, said: “In the six months since we launched Serenade we have been blown away by the support we’ve received from artists, their representatives and the wider music industry.
“There is a clearly an enthusiastic demand for eco-friendly , easy-to-understand, artist and fan friendly NFTs and the fact that so many respected music and creative industry professionals have backed us with personal investments is humbling.
“With their support, guidance and expertise we are very excited about all the possibilities the future holds.
“Iain knows what artists want and has the determination and passion to serve them.
“There’s nothing more important in the world of music NFTs than a genuine love of artists and their work, and the creativity to serve them within a new technology space, and Iain navigates this with clarity and vision.”
“I am delighted to be heading up the Serenade advisory board.”
Iain Watt
Iain Watt, added: “I have been an enthusiastic supporter since I first met Max Shand and he outlined his vision for the future on NFTs in the music industry.
“I am delighted to be heading up the Serenade advisory board alongside some exceptionally talented people with whom I will be working to help the company fulfil its amazing potential.”Music Business Worldwide
