The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has appointed Paul Pacifico as its new CEO.
Pacifico replaces Alison Wenham in the role, who is set to take on a new position as CEO of the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) after 17 years at the organisation.
Starting his new role on November 1, Pacifico joins AIM from The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), where he served as CEO. He was also president of the International Artist Organisation (IAO).
Commenting on his new role, Pacifico said: “I am incredibly excited by this new challenge and am looking forward to building on the incredible work that AIM has done on behalf of the independent music community over the last 17 yeas. The increasingly important role of independent music both culturally and commercially across the world means that, more than ever, AIM has a key role to play ensuring that our members' voices are heard and that they continue to have real say in the future of our industry.
“I would also like, of course, to pay tribute to the amazing legacy left to me by Alison Wenham. Under her stewardship AIM has become a hugely important organization that has given the independent music community real unity and strength. We will remain close colleagues and I am looking forward to working with her in her new role at WIN.”
Wenham added: “I am leaving AIM with the secure knowledge that in Paul we have someone who has the passion, energy and vision to take the organization forward. His impressive track record at The FAC, where he campaigned and lobbied tirelessly for artist’s rights demonstrates someone who has real conviction and integrity. AIM is in very safe hands under Paul and we will continue to work together to ensure that the independent music community continues to have real influence on the global stage.”
Sandie Shaw, chairman of FAC, also said: "We are delighted by Paul's appointment to replace Alison Wenham at AIM, an organisation with whom we share many goals. Over the past eighteen months having Paul, our first employed CEO, as part of the FAC team, we have together built on the heavy groundwork and hard slog of the 5000 FAC members to establish FAC as the artist’s voice. His appointment wih AIM has coincided harmoniously with the next phase of global growth for the FAC movement. We wish him well and know that he will continue to promote the central role of the artist creator within the music industry ecostructure.”
You can read Pacifico’s first interview as AIM CEO here and in the new issue of Music Week, out today.
