● Paul Pacifico to step down

Paul Pacifico to step down as AIM CEO

At the end of 2022, Paul Pacifico will depart from the UK`s Association of Independent Music (AIM).

His decision, according to the organisation, ends his second three-year stint as CEO and the accomplishment of many long-term strategic goals.

Pacifico will go after “reinvigorating and refocusing its role as the home and voice of a much wider spectrum of UK music business builders, reaching a new generation of creative entrepreneurs,” according to the statement. He has represented the interests of AIM’s members and called for collaboration across the music business during periods of uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and Brexit, as well as speaking on behalf of the sector during Parliament’s inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

While Pacifico fought for a more equitable music industry, he occasionally disagreed with other organisations on how to get there. AIM opposed proposed reforms including equitable compensation and user-centric streaming payments during the streaming investigation.

AIM has developed an emphasis on fostering community and assisting creative businesses and artists from a variety of backgrounds under Pacifico`s direction. This includes last year`s introduction of AIM`s free Future Independents online conference and the formation of a free Associate Membership tier, both of which provide access to educational materials and networking opportunities. By co-developing a new MA Music Business distance learning programme with Middlesex University, which debuted in July, AIM has advanced this aim. Additionally, it has joined with the skills accreditation organisation CLOCK to formally credit on-the-job learning toward degrees like the new Middlesex University MA.

Pacifico oversaw the AIM Independent Music Awards` relocation to the Roundhouse for its first-ever live public performance in 2019 during his first three years as CEO. Since then, he has expanded AIM`s calendar of events by launching AIM Sync and Future Independents, and he has grown the organization`s network by creating its Friends of AIM and Platinum Partnership programmes.

“The subsequent growth in AIM’s profile has driven value for its members and helped leave it in its strongest financial position to date,” said the statement.

Pacifico joined AIM in 2016 after serving as the International Artist Organization`s founding president and the UK`s Featured Artist Coalition`s CEO. He has continued to work as a creative director, session musician, featured performer, and associate professor at Berklee Valencia throughout these jobs.

Pacifico will serve as CEO through the end of the year even though his formal term ends on October 31. He will work with the board to facilitate a seamless transition.