Annabelle Herd

Annabelle Herd

Chief Executive Officer, ARIA

Annabelle is the CEO of ARIA and PPCA. She came to the music industry in February 2021 following a 16-year career in television at Network 10 where she most recently held the role of Chief Operating Officer looking after a range of functions including operations, corporate and government affairs, and strategy. Prior to Network 10, she spent several years working in government including four years in senior political roles for then Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator the Hon. Richard Alston AO. Annabelle was a Council Member of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) from 2018-2023 and was previously a board member of Save the Children Australia, Freeview Australia, and Free TV Australia. In 2019 Annabelle was invited to participate in the McKinsey Remarkable Women Program. Annabelle has a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) from the Australian National University.

3:05 pm - 3:35 pm

How Brands Can Win in Music Culture

Music shapes culture, sparks movements and builds deep emotional connections—making it a gold mine for brands. But how can brands engage authentically and earn real credibility? This panel brings together industry experts to explore the evolving brand-music dynamic. From sponsorships to storytelling, we’ll unpack why some things work, why some flop and how brands can move beyond transactional partnerships to create lasting impact.