The Independent Music Association has announced the departure of its managing director Silvia Modelo, citing personal reasons. Montello began leading the London-based independent trade body in early 2023 after stepping down Paul Pacifico, who left for the Saudi Music Commission. Withdrawal on a temporary basis is Gee Davywho now holds three C-suite positions as AIM's chief executive, officer and policy officer.
Davy, who joined AIM in 2017, previously had the day-to-day leadership of AIM between Pacifico's departure and Montello's arrival. “With the confidence of our inspiring team and board and our excellent management at my side, I look forward to delivering on AIM's commitment to supporting the UK's innovative independent music community and leveling the music playing field,” said Davy.
Montello joined AIM less than a year after becoming the first female CEO of the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), the global non-profit organization representing electronic music companies. Prior to AFEM, she held senior roles at the UK arm of Universal Music, where she worked as director of catalog marketing between 2006 and 2010, and BMG, where she served as senior vice president of recordings and integrations from 2014 to 2016. She was subsequently appointed senior vice president of operations at the then Kobalt-owned artist services company AWAL, a position he held from 2017 to 2020.
“It is unfortunate that we are losing Silvia so soon in her tenure, but on behalf of the board I wish her well in her next endeavours,” said the AIM president. Ruth Barlow. “The board and I work closely with Gee and the AIM team as we continue to support and promote the independent music sector, delivering and creating value for our community through our events and activities programme, industry work and beyond only”.
AIM represents over 1,000 UK indie labels, artists and music companies, including Beggars Group, Domino, Warp and Ninja Tune. The UK is the third largest recorded music market in the world behind the US and Japan with sales of just under $1.7 billion in commercial value, according to IFPI's World Music Report 2023.
