Recorded Music NZ is paying tribute to Adam Holt for nearly quarter of a century serving on the Boards of the industry association and licensing company.
As Adam is retiring from his role as Chairman of Universal Music New Zealand effective 30 April, he will also end his role as Threshold Director on the Board of Recorded Music NZ.
Adam is a highly respected music industry executive and a committed and passionate advocate for New Zealand artists and the local music industry. He has played a leading role in shaping the New Zealand industry through his contribution to the recorded music industry body RIANZ and licensing company PPNZ, which merged in 2013 to create Recorded Music NZ.
Adam was appointed to the PPNZ Board in 2001 and later became PPNZ Chairman. He also served as President of RIANZ. In 2013, when the two bodies merged, Adam became a Director on the Recorded Music NZ Board where he has served ever since.
Adam has been a key driver of many achievements and milestones in the organisation over his 24 years in Board positions. The highlights include:
- Increasing licensing revenues from $4.4 million in 2002 to just over $17 million in 2024
- Championing the creation in 2013 of OneMusic, the world leading initiative for joint licensing of public performance with APRA AMCOS
- Introducing meaningful independent label and artist representation on the Recorded Music Board
- The merger of PPNZ and RIANZ to create a modern and efficient organisation to serve recording artists and rights holders across Aotearoa
- Two decades of advocating for the value of music and the rights of creators, through the era of mass piracy to today’s challenges with generative AI and copyright law
Adam is also acknowledged for his collaboration with Dame Hinewehi Mohi and others to launch Waiata Anthems, the initiative that champions te reo Māori through music.
Recorded Music NZ Chairperson Louise Bond said:
“I have worked alongside Adam since joining the Board of Recorded Music New Zealand in January 2024. Adam’s ability as a strong and collaborative leader has been instrumental in supporting the Recorded Music Board and management team through significant change in recent years. His dedication to the industry is evident through his passionate drive to create positive change. I know Adam is leaving with the knowledge that his work at Recorded Music New Zealand will be built upon by the next generation of industry leaders. I wish Adam all the best for the future.”
Recorded Music NZ CEO Jo Oliver said:
“It’s tough to put into words the incredible contribution Adam has made to Recorded Music NZ and the recorded music industry over nearly quarter of a century. Adam has been a tireless advocate for the value of music and has embraced – and driven – transformational change through many chapters of our history.
“Adam is admired across the organisation and the music industry not only for his knowledge but also the breadth and depth of his relationships at all levels, and his ability to collaborate and build consensus in a complex and changing environment. Thank you Adam and we wish you well.”
Adam Holt said:
“Recorded Music NZ allows our industry to work together to make a meaningful difference to our artists and labels, and the positive partnerships I’ve enjoyed with my colleagues from around the industry through Recorded Music NZ has been a real highlight for me.
“I am so proud of Recorded Music NZ’s evolution over the past twenty-four years and the things we have achieved together. I leave knowing the organisation is in the best shape it has ever been, with a clear vision, strong leadership, great staff and an exciting new Board coming together in May. I’ll be cheering on this next generation of talented people to take our industry to exciting new heights.
“Thank you to all the current and former CEOs, chairs, directors and staff at Recorded Music NZ, working with you all has been an absolute joy.”
Incoming co-Managing Director of Universal Music New Zealand, Myra Hemara will take Universal Music New Zealand’s Threshold Director seat on Recorded Music NZ’s Board of Directors on 1 May. Myra currently holds the Board Observer position at Recorded Music NZ.