John Aalbers (pictured) has been hired as Chief Executive of B2B digital music platform 7digital.
Aalbers succeeds Simon Cole, who is to step down in April having led the company since its creation from the reverse merger with UBC Media in 2014 and is leaving to concentrate on his other business interests.
Aalbers has extensive experience in building early and mid-stage technology companies.
His most recent role was as CEO of Arts Alliance Media and prior to that was in the Telecommunications sector where he held roles including CEO of Volubill and numerous senior positions with CGI and Intec Telecom Systems (now CSG International).
Aalbers will join the company on April 1 and it is intended that he will join the 7digital Board upon completion of the required nominated adviser due diligence process.
“The Board wishes to give profound thanks to Simon for his insights and vision in seeing that many companies and brands would wish to support and nurture their business models with music delivered by streaming technologies, and that they would need access to a neutral, efficient and cost-effective platform.”
Don Cruickshank, 7digital
Don Cruickshank, Chair of 7digital, said: “The Board wishes to give profound thanks to Simon for his insights and vision in seeing that many companies and brands would wish to support and nurture their business models with music delivered by streaming technologies, and that they would need access to a neutral, efficient and cost-effective platform.
“That is what 7digital now provides and, after some turbulent years, it is very well positioned to thrive in the streaming-based music market of the future. We wish him well in his future endeavours.
Added Cruickshank: “We now welcome John Aalbers to the role of CEO. His career is distinguished with success in a number of not-dissimilar challenges to those facing 7digital, all based on sector focussed software and platform services. The Board looks forward to working with John to build the Company both in scale and scope of business.”
“I have enjoyed this adventure and, in particular, leading an extraordinarily talented and dedicated group of people.”
Simon Cole
Simon Cole added: “This transition was planned last year when we felt that 2018 would mark the successful growth into profitability after four years.
“In the end, the events surrounding MediaMarktSaturn’s sudden strategic changes in December had a profound effect on the Company and I felt I could not leave until that position was resolved and satisfactory settlement had been achieved. Now that has been done, I leave 7digital in good shape and in good hands.
“I have enjoyed this adventure and, in particular, leading an extraordinarily talented and dedicated group of people.”
Julia Hubbard was appointed Chief Financial Officer of 7digital earlier this month.Music Business Worldwide
