Managing Director of Universal Music Publishing, Bob Aird, has announced his retirement.
The exec came to UMPG when it acquired Rondor Music Publishing Australia 16 years ago.
Aird was MD of Rondor in Oz when the takeover happened, and previously worked in management for PolyGram Records.
He signed landmark deals at UMP including a digital license negotiation with APRA AMCOS which saw UMP Australia become a pan-Pacific digital hub, while other big achievements at the company included the now 20-year-old agreement with QANTAS for global advertising campaign “I Still Call Australia Home”, plus the launch of UMP’s joint venture with Dawn Raid Publishing in NZ.
Aird isn’t leaving the music biz entirely: he plans to remain on the boards of APRA, AMCOS and AMPAL as a UMP representative.
“Bob Aird is a passionate music executive who has worked tirelessly to nurture and support our songwriters.”
“On one hand, I’ll miss working with the incredible local and international business partners, artists, songwriters and company associates I have met over the years, many of whom have become close friends,” said Aird.
“But on the other hand, I am thrilled to soon do more of some of the other things I love, like boating activities and all the traveling I have been planning for a long time. I really look forward to this chapter of my life.”
Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group said: “Bob Aird is a passionate music executive who has worked tirelessly to nurture and support our songwriters and protect the value of music.
“I really look forward to this chapter in my life.”
Bob Aird, UMPG
“His accomplishments will have a lasting impact on our company and the Australian music industry, and he leaves with our deepest respect and gratitude.”
Across Rondor and PolyGram, Aird signed songwriters and artists such as Don Walker (Cold Chisel), Joe Camilleri (Black Sorrows), Paul Kelly, Potbelleez, Grammy Award-winning band Wolfmother, Lee Kernaghan (with his co-writer Colin Buchanan).
He also signed Jet to their first Australian publishing deal.Music Business Worldwide
