Denis Handlin’s spectacular ousting from Sony Music a year ago set off shockwaves. It also created an opportunity. | nathanaelcooper
Denis Handlin’s spectacular ousting from Sony Music a year ago left a huge hole in an industry he dominated for more than four decades.
Handlin senior’s position in the Australian music industry was unparalleled. Along with his position at the top of the country’s second-biggest record label he was also the chair of the Australian Recording Industry Association - the peak industry body.Network Ten executive Annabelle Herd had already become chief executive of ARIA – the first female to take the role since the organisation was established in the early ’80s.
Structural issues, such as the industry’s fragmented nature and transient workforce and the immense power a handful of people wield, are just some unique challenges music needs to navigate as it addresses systemic cultural issues. But change is happening. “Having more women in leadership roles in music is an absolute no-brainer because there aren’t enough,” she says. “And not just women. More First Nations leaders, people of colour … diversity in leadership has been shown time and time again, to make a better decision-making, more innovation and better business.”