West Australian Music Appoints New CEO

West Australian Music (WAM) announced the appointment of its new CEO last week (25 October), following a thorough four-month recruitment process.

Former Unions WA Secretary Owen Whittle will step into the role, bringing extensive experience in “leading member-driven organisations and achieving transformative results.”

With the organisation recently launching a new strategic vision, and securing significant government funding, Whittle’s appointment comes at a critical time of change for WAM.

The grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries should help facilitate this transitional period, with $500,000 promised annually across 2024 and 2025.

Of his appointment Whittle says he “can’t wait to get out there, listen to industry, and deliver results. The Board has outlined significant ambition and leadership, and there couldn’t be a more exciting time to meet these challenges head on.”

The industry as a whole has had a challenging few years (including the postponement of beloved WA Music Week), and WAM Board President Al Taylor describes Whittle as “the ideal person” to lead the organisation through this phase of regrowth. WAM has committed to emerge from this shift “fit for purpose,“ and better equipped to help “revitalise and strengthen” the WA music community.

“WAM is an institution in WA,” Whittle affirms. “It rightfully should be at the forefront of responding to the challenges facing artists and the industry.”