Jana Gibson has accepted the role of Head of Member Services at APRA AMCOS, marking three years since a female has held a role at this leadership level.

Jana Gibson’s leadership appointment follows fellow female executive Sally Howland, who has been an Advisor to the Member Services division for four years. In fact, Howland was the one who recruited Gibson to her first role at APRA AMCOS 15 years ago, when she came on board as Corporate Events Manager.

Sally Howland said: “This role is about managing competing demands and exercising sound judgement and Jana will deliver strongly against that with her quiet confidence and her highly organised and solutions-driven mode of operation”.

Taking over from Dean Orsmton on June 1, Gibson will lead the membership team that works alongside and advocates for 95,000 members. That team includes staff in Writer Services, Member Relations, Publisher Relations and Repertoire, SOUNDS AUSTRALIA and the Live Music Office.

She’ll also oversee other member initiatives such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office, SongHubs, SongMakers, Awards and outreach programs.

Incoming APRA AMCOS Head of Member Services Jana Gibson said:

“We need to be present in the lives of music creators throughout their careers and through business cycles. We are a vital part of the industry ecosystem as we provide services, opportunities and advocacy to support their livelihoods.

“In a time of diversifying income, increased access to data and market disruption, we are continually partnering with our publisher, composer and songwriter members and the wider industry on opportunities to ensure their works are heard”.

Jana Gibson will step into the role currently held by Dean Ormston. Ormston is set to take on the role of CEO on July 1, taking the baton from Brett Cottle. Cottle has championed the cause of songwriters’ rights for over 40 years. He was celebrated at the APRA Awards in April and during his speech said: ““I feel that this precious, precious organisations, which is in so much of my DNA, is in incredibly safe hands.”

Incoming APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said:

“Jana brings strong operational and relationship management expertise to the role and a demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and consultatively across the business and our membership. She is widely respected as a senior manager in the business and we look forward to having her on the leadership team”.

The article was originally published on The Industry Observer