Paul Pacifico, the CEO of the UK’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) – which reps indie music labels and entrepreneurs – confirmed in August that he’s leaving the role at the end of 2022.
Now we know what his next move is The Saudi Music Commission has hired Pacifico as its new Chief Executive Officer.
According to a press release announcing his appointment, the Saudi Music Commission is one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture and was launched in 2020 to oversee the development of Saudi Arabia’s music sector.
Pacifico will now be responsible for developing Saudi Arabia’s music sector “in line with the National Culture Strategy,” the statement added.
Over the past six years, Pacifico served as CEO of AIM, where he led the representation of the UK’s independent music sector including music entrepreneurs, independent labels, service companies, distributors, and artists.
Prior to AIM, he was CEO of the UK’s Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and the founding president of the International Artist Organization (IAO).
Pacifico is Associate Professor at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain and has served on the boards of English National Ballet, UK Music, Creative UK (formerly the Creative Industries Federation) and the Music Advisory Board of London’s Roundhouse, as well as music organisations IMPALA (Europe) and the Worldwide Independent Network (‘WIN’).
Pacifico will assume his new role at the Commission from January 2023.
“It is truly remarkable to see the level of support and the pace of change within Saudi Arabia as it builds a strong music sector for all to participate in. The opportunity to help in that journey is a huge privilege.”
Paul Pacifico
Commenting on his appointment, Pacifico said: “Time and time again, music has been shown to be a powerful and sustainable enabler across both cultural and commercial development.
“It is truly remarkable to see the level of support and the pace of change within Saudi Arabia as it builds a strong music sector for all to participate in. The opportunity to help in that journey is a huge privilege.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Music Commission to build a vibrant, inclusive and effective music sector as a key part of the ongoing cultural transformation in the Kingdom, led by the Ministry of Culture.”
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