A2IM Appoints Ian Harrison As New CEO

Photo Credit: Ian Harrison by Jordan Kelsey Knight

A2IM appoints Ian Harrison as its new CEO, effective October 1. Harrison succeeds Dr. Richard James Burgess as the organization’s chief executive.

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has announced that Ian Harrison has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective this Wednesday, October 1. Harrison succeeds Dr. Richard James Burgess, who will step down at the end of this year following a decade of impactful advocacy for the independent music industry.

Under Burgess, the organization sustained a period of both tremendous growth and change. As the head of the world’s largest independent music coalition of over 700 independently owned American music labels, Burgess built Indie Week and the Libera Awards into the world’s largest independent conference and award show, respectively. He has been a powerful voice lobbying for the rights of independent artists and labels in Washington, D.C., and worldwide.

Ian Harrison brings over 20 years of leadership in the independent music sector, most recently as Executive Vice President of Hopeless Records. Over two decades, he helped transform the label from a small independent into a globally recognized powerhouse. He also built teams and guided campaigns for more than 300 releases, selling over 15 million copies and earning over 20 gold and platinum certifications, and securing #1 records in both the United States and the UK. His work as part of the Hopeless Foundation has raised over $3.5 million for a variety of music and mental health charities.

In addition to his label leadership, Harrison has been a longstanding contributor to A2IM and the broader indie community. He has been actively involved with A2IM since 2012 as an Indie Week committee member, five-time speaker, and mentor. He also serves on the Worldwide Independent Network’s board and has previously held a board seat with the Music Business Association. His advocacy and vision have earned him recognition on Billboard’s Indie Power Players list in 2024 and 2025, as well as the Forbes 30 Under 30 list earlier in his career.

“The independent community is stronger and more dynamic than ever, yet also [faces] accelerating challenges that will test our resilience and adaptability. A2IM exists to ensure our members can grow independently in the face of these changes and thrive on their own terms,” said Harrison.

“I am grateful to the A2IM Board for their trust as I step into the CEO role at such a pivotal moment. I take on this responsibility with such a deep commitment to serving our community. I am especially grateful to Dr. Richard James Burgess for a decade of exceptional leadership that established A2IM as a vital voice in our industry, and to Lisa Hresko and the entire A2IM team whose dedication makes our work so impactful. This includes remembering our colleague Alex Machurov, whose contributions and spirit will remain part of A2IM’s legacy. I also want to thank Louis Posen and my colleagues at Hopeless Records, where I spent the past two decades, for shaping me as a leader and deepening my commitment to this community.”

“Independent music has been my life’s work, and I am excited to serve in this new capacity,” Harrison concluded. “I look forward to working closely with our members, the global trade organization community, commercial partners, and policymakers to ensure independent voices remain at the center of the music industry’s future.”

“I am honored to have served this extraordinary community for the past decade, and I could not be more pleased to welcome Ian Harrison as A2IM’s next CEO,” said Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO, A2IM. “Ian’s deep experience and lifelong commitment to independent music position him perfectly to guide A2IM into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting a seamless transition and to watching him take the organization, and the indie community it represents, to new heights.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Ian Harrison as our new CEO,” adds Nabil Ayers (Beggars Group), A2IM Executive Committee, Chair. “Ian has spent his entire career championing independent music, and now he’ll bring that same passion and energy to serving the entire community of independent labels. I’m confident he will build on the incredible foundation Richard James Burgess established over the past decade and skillfully lead A2IM into its next chapter of growth and advocacy.”

Harrison assumes the role of CEO starting this Wednesday, October 1, and will work closely with Burgess and the Board through the remainder of the year to ensure a seamless transition.