Photo Credit: Rick Halsall (Gee Davy)
Silvia Montello has resigned her position as CEO of the Association of Independent Music (AIM). COO Gee Davy will take on the role of interim CEO and the newly created position of Chief Policy Officer.
The non-profit organization champions the UK’s independent music community, with Davy joining AIM in 2017. She will assume day-to-day operation of the organization with Montello’s departure. Montello took over the CEO position from former CEO Paul Pacifico at the beginning of 2023. Montello oversaw the roll-out of several initiatives during her tenure, managing difficult economic headwinds.
Montello advocated for the independent sector with key platforms and trade bodies over streaming reform, successfully pushing for a broader range of creative spaces to quality for business rates relief as part of UK Music’s 2023 Manifesto for Music. She also oversaw the reconfiguring of the AIM Awards as an industry-focused event.
Gee Davy previously acted as an unofficial interim leader in between Paul Pacifico and Silvia Montello’s tenure as CEO. In her new position as Chief Policy Officer, Davy will continue to represent the interests of the UK’s independent music community in discussions ranging from streaming remuneration to industry’s engagement with AI.
Most recently, Davy was involved in the creation of the UK Government’s landmark Streaming Transparency Code, as part of follow-up work to Parliament’s inquiry into the economics of music streaming. She is an active participate in UK Music’s AI Working Group and chairs IMPALA’s Emerging Tech group, as well as having a number of other committee seats, including at UK Music, IMPALA, and the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS).
“I am honored that the board have asked me to take on the position of Interim CEO, as well as creating a new Chief Policy Officer role to reflect my contribution to AIM’s growth in that arena,” adds Davy. “With the trust of the inspirational team and board, and our excellent senior management at my side, I am looking forward to delivering on AIM’s commitment to support the UK’s innovative independent music community and level the music playing field.”
