Paul Pacifico will exit the U.K.’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) at the end of 2022, the organization announced Monday (Aug. 15). His departure coincides with the end of his second three-year term as CEO, which officially ends on Oct. 31, though he will remain in the role through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
During his tenure, Pacifico led AIM through such earth-shattering chapters as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also oversaw the establishment of a free Associate Membership tier and the launch of last year’s free Future Independents online conference to foster access to learning resources and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and artists from diverse backgrounds.
More recently under Pacifico’s leadership, the organization co-created a new MA Music Business distance learning program with Middlesex University, which launched in July. AIM also partnered with the skills accreditation organization CLOCK to award formal credits for on-the-job learning, good toward qualifications including the Middlesex University MA.
In his first three-year term as CEO, Pacifico spearheaded the move of the AIM Independent Music Awards to The Roundhouse for its first public live show in 2019. Since then, he has expanded AIM’s program of events by introducing AIM Sync and Future Independents, while broadening the organization’s network by developing the “Friends of AIM” and “Platinum Partnership” initiatives.
Other key achievements during Pacifico’s time as CEO include the creation of AIM’s free diversity and inclusion training program, EDI Level-Up, and the initiation of the Music Climate Pact, an effort to de-carbonize the global recorded music industry.
For his efforts, Pacifico was named a Billboard International Power Player earlier this year.
Pacifico joined AIM in 2016 following stints as CEO of the U.K.’s Featured Artist Coalition and as founding president of the International Artist Organisation. Throughout, he has continued working as an associate professor at Berklee Valencia, as well as a creative director, session musician and featured artist.
“I came to AIM six years ago faced with the challenge to refresh it as one of the most energised and relevant voices in music to represent both the established but also the up-and-coming creative entrepreneurs in our sector,” said Pacifico in a statement. “I feel I have done much of the work I came to AIM to do and I’m proud to leave AIM in a position of huge strength for the future of the community, the members and the team. I am hugely grateful for the support from the community, my board and my incredible team over the last six years, which has enabled me to deliver on so much of the promise AIM represents and to shine a light on the vibrant and innovative UK independent music community. I look forward to the road ahead and the opportunities that no doubt await.”
Nadia Khan, chair of the AIM board, added, “It’s been a very rewarding experience to work closely with Paul and see first-hand his commitment to values-driven leadership, investment in promoting open communication and building a culture of equitable and transparent leadership. AIM’s board, team and membership are the most diverse they have ever been, we have levelled out access to resources and opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, and Paul’s impact and legacy are towering embodiments of this. I am truly sad to see him leave, and I wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
