The leading Australian music body, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), announced this week that it has elected Natalie Waller, Head of ABC Music & Events, as ARIA Chair for a two-year term starting immediately. Waller takes on the position after Denis Handlin, Sony Music ANZ chief, stepped down. Waller joins an all-female body at the apex of ARIA.

Waller has been a member of the ARIA Board since February 2019. She has been in this industry since she became a part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1998 and has been associated with the ABC Music Business team where she held the position of Business Manager from 2006 to 2012. She had also been the Business Assistant and Business Co-ordinator from 1998 to 2001 in the same company.

Waller has diverse work experience in which she has explored many roles. She specialises in Australian music and championing niche genres. She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA). She was the General Manager, ABC Music & Events from 2012 to 2017.

In January 2021, she was appointed to the Board of the Country Music Association (CMA). She is also Chair of the CMA Australian Task Force.

Waller said: “It is an absolute honour to be elected as ARIA’s new Chair. At this time of change and challenge for the Australian music industry, I’m determined to give my all to continuing ARIA’s mission of championing our fantastic artists and industry. I’m thoroughly excited to get to work with the Board, Annabelle, and the ARIA team.”

Annabelle Herd, ARIA CEO said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Natalie as the new Chair of ARIA. During her time on the Board, she has demonstrated incredible knowledge of the scope and diversity of the Australian music landscape. We are thoroughly looking forward to the next two years and continuing our mission to communicate the true economic and cultural value of our amazing recording industry.”