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Please note: The views expressed in this lecture are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Film and Sound Archive.
THOMAS ROME LECTURE
Thomas Rome
The Thomas Rome Lecture has been created to enable leading figures in the Australian recorded sound industry to foster debate, interest and ideas about the recent and current state of the industry and its possible future directions both nationally and internationally.
The Lecture acknowledges the historic contribution of Thomas Rome, who recorded what is thought to be Australia’s earliest surviving sound recording, The Hen Convention (1896).
The Inaugural Thomas Rome Lecture by Michael Smellie assessed the current state of the industry and in particular looked at the major challenges that are currently being confronted. There was a particular focus on the lack of innovation initiatives in Australia in the 'future defining' digital environment.
Inaugural Thomas Rome Lecture (2008)- Michael Smellie
Michael Smellie, former Chief Operating Officer, Sony/BMG delivers the inaugural lecture
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Note: All publishing of Michael Smellie's lecture should be accompanied with the following wording:
"The views expressed in this lecture are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Film and Sound Archive."
Michael Smellie - Biography
As an Australian, with a career in the music business spanning over 25 years and across 5 continents, Michael has a unique view on today’s global business.
Starting his career as Finance Director with Chappell Music Publishing in Sydney in 1980 he soon moved to PolyGram (now part of Universal) and held senior Finance positions in Australia, Brazil and the UK before returning to Sydney as Group MD in 1987. He held this position until 1991.
After then serving briefly as CEO of the MMA Group he was appointed as MD for BMG in Australasia in 1993 and soon after moved to Hong Kong as Head of the Asia/Pacific Region for BMG. In 2001 he was appointed as COO for BMG worldwide and moved to New York. In this role he directed the company through some turbulent years and was an integral part of negotiating and implementing the merger with Sony Music. He was appointed as COO of the newly formed Sony BMG in 2004 and left at the end of 2005 to return to Australia to spend more time with his family.
Michael still retains a vital interest in the media business in his new role as President of Media Development, Asia Pacific for German media giant Bertelsmann. He is also an investor and Board member in “start ups” in Australia and the US.
He has however not lost sight of life’s priorities as all of this must allow him to indulge his passion for sport through regular games of golf and sailing and as a Board member of Athletics Australia.
