WENHAM'S BIG WIN

Alison Wenham, founder of U.K. indie trade body the Association of Independent Music (AIM), is stepping aside to help launch the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) as a standalone trade association, taking on a global role as Chief Exec. The search for AIM's next CEO has begun.

Alongside a number of independent labels, Wenham founded AIM in 1999 so the indies would have their own representation and collective voice in the British music industry. Prior to founding AIM, Wenham was MD at BMG Entertainment International (U.K.), having sold Conifer Records, where she was MD, to BMG in 1994. WIN launched in 2006, with Wenham elected Founding Chairman.

Until now, WIN has been administered by AIM as an informal umbrella organisation. Headquartered in London, WIN will launch as a standalone trade association once Wenham’s replacement has been found for AIM.

Said Wenham: “As the music marketplace becomes ever more global, it is time for the worldwide independent music community to focus its collective attention on the big issues affecting all of us.

“The music industry continues to evolve at a pace and it is vital that our membership has a voice and a place at the top table when decisions affecting the livelihoods of independent music companies and the artists they represent are being decided.”

Martin Mills, Chairman of the Beggars Group and one of the original founders of AIM, commented: “Alison has been a force of nature in the growth of AIM, to the extent that it is impossible to imagine the U.K. record industry without it. However, we live in a global business, and her guidance is now needed on a broader canvas. Happily, AIM has grown to the point where with the identification of a new Chief Executive and the continuing work of its experienced and skilled management and staff, we can be confident in its continuing success and growth as a core member of WIN.”