Joel Edmondson, a music industry professional with over 15 years of senior management experience, is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Venue Management Association (VMA).
Edmondson will replace VMA’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer of six years, Michael Brierley. Brierley will remain on board on a part-time basis as the Company Secretary. Edmondson will begin his new role on Monday, July 29.
In his storied career, Edmondson has worked in various capacities for multiple Australian music industry organisations. His most recent role was Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director for the Queensland Music Festival (QMF). Before that tenure, Edmondson served as Chief Executive Officer of QMusic.
“The VMA plays a critical role in the venue management industry across the Asia Pacific region,” Edmondson commented in a statement, highlighting the VMA’s continued flourishing no matter the challenges live music faces.
Saying that he’s “proud and honoured” to take on his new role and lead the next phase of VMA’s journey, Edmondson continued, “As our industry is increasingly challenged to adapt to new economic, social and cultural realities, I am committed to ensuring that the VMA’s contribution to sector development is of the highest strategic value and impact.
“In considering the VMA CEO role, I was especially attracted to the VMA Board’s ambitions to increase the Association’s international footprint and be at the forefront of innovation in member services. I’m looking forward to the process of getting to know more of the VMA’s membership and to better understand how to achieve these goals together.”
The President of the Venue Management Association, Phil King, added that Edmondson is the “right leader” for the company.
“Joel’s broad experience within the music industry and his knack for business development will play a vital role in guiding the industry on a continued path of trajectory, in addition to increasing the Association’s international footprint,” King’s statement continued.
Adding that membership within the VMA is at an “all-time high” as the organisation prepares to host its second annual weeklong Institute of Venue Safety and Security at Sydney Olympic Park, King said: “Joel is entering the VMA at a very exciting time, and I look forward to working with Joel on this growth journey.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for his leadership of the VMA,” King commented. “Michael has been instrumental in taking the Association from strength to strength and his changes will no doubt have a direct impact on the future successes on the industry. I look forward to continuing working with Michael to deliver long-term growth and value for all our Stakeholders.”
