Paul Pacifico, CEO of the UK Independent Music Association (PURPOSE) – representing indie labels and entrepreneurs – confirmed in August that he will be leaving the role at the end of 2022.
We now know his next move is that the Saudi Arabian Music Commission has hired Pacifico as its new CEO.
According to a press release announcing his appointment, the Saudi Music Committee is one of 11 sector-specific committees under the Ministry of Culture and Sports. was launched in 2020 to oversee the growth of Saudi Arabia’s music sector.
Pacifico will now be responsible for developing Saudi Arabia’s music sector “in line with the National Cultural Strategy,” the statement added.
For the past six years, Pacifico served as the CEO of PURPOSEwhere he leads representing the UK independent music sector including music entrepreneurs, independent labels, service companies, distributors and artists.
Prior to AIM, he was the CEO of the UK’s Union of Featured Artists (FAC) and the founding president of the International Organization of Artists (IAO).
Pacifico is an Associate Professor at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain and has served on the boards of British Ballet, Music UK, Creative UK (formerly Federation of Creative Industries) and London’s Roundhouse Music Advisory Board, as well as music organisations IMPALA (Europe) and the Independent Global Network (‘WIN’).
Pacifico will assume its new role at the Commission from January 2023.
“It’s truly remarkable to see the level of support and speed of change in Saudi Arabia as it builds a strong music sector for everyone involved. The opportunity to be helped along the way. It’s a great privilege.”
Paul Pacifico
Commenting on his appointment, Pacifico said: “Time and time again, music has proven to be a powerful and sustained force in both cultural and commercial development.
“It really is It is remarkable to see the level of support and speed of change in Saudi Arabia as it builds a strong music sector for all to participate. The opportunity to be of assistance in that journey has been a tremendous privilege.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Music Commission to build a vibrant, inclusive and productive music scene as an important part of the cultural transformation taking place in the country. Kingdom, headed by the Ministry of Culture.”
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