Silvia Montello steps down as head of AIM, Gee Davy named Interim CEO

11 April 2024 - Press release

Silvia Montello has resigned for personal reasons from her position as CEO of the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the not-for-profit organisation championing the UK’s independent music community. COO Gee Davy takes on the role of interim CEO, and has also been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Policy Officer. 

Having taken over from former CEO Paul Pacifico at the start of 2023, Montello oversaw the roll out of several key initiatives during her tenure, often through difficult economic headwinds. 

These include advocating for the independent sector with key platforms and trade bodies over streaming reform, successfully pushing for a broader range of creative spaces to qualify for business rates relief as part of UK Music’s 2023 Manifesto for Music, and reconfiguring the AIM Awards as an industry-focused event. 

Davy, who joined AIM in 2017, takes over the day-to-day running of the organisation. The move is a natural progression for Davy, who represents AIM on the boards of WIN and IMPALA and previously acted as an unofficial interim leader in between Paul Pacifico departing and Silvia Montello commencing as CEO. 

In her new position as Chief Policy Officer, Davy will continue to represent the interests of the UK’s independent music community in discussions ranging from streaming remuneration to industry’s engagement with AI. 

Most recently she was involved in the creation of the UK Government’s landmark Streaming Transparency Code, as part of follow-up work to Parliament's inquiry into the economics of music streaming. She is an active participant in UK Music's AI Working Group and chairs IMPALA's Emerging Tech group, as well as having a number of other committee seats, including at UK Music, IMPALA and the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS).

Before joining AIM, Davy spent several years working with prestigious independent businesses including Cooking Vinyl and Essential Music & Marketing. She holds a Law Degree and a Masters Degree in Electronic Engineering, having begun her career in technology before moving into legal and business affairs roles within music. 

Davy picks up the reins with an experienced senior leadership team in place, including Nina Radojewski (Head of Membership), Ben Wynter (Director of Business Development and Partnerships), Esta Rae (Senior Events Manager), Callum Johnson (Head of Partnerships) and Dan Hewitt (Financial Controller). 

Said AIM Chair and Board Member and Beggars’ Director of Live Licensing Ruth Barlow, “It’s unfortunate that we are losing Silvia so soon into her tenure, but on behalf of the board I wish her well in her next endeavours. I’m very pleased that Gee Davy has agreed to step up into a newly expanded role as AIM’s Chief Policy Officer and Interim CEO. The board and I are working closely with Gee and the AIM team as we continue to support and promote the independent music sector, delivering and creating value for our community via our membership events and activities schedule, industry affairs work and beyond”

Added Davy, “I am honoured that the board have asked me to take on the position of Interim CEO, as well as creating a new Chief Policy Officer role to reflect my contribution to AIM’s growth in that arena. With the trust of the inspirational team and board, and our excellent senior management at my side, I am looking forward to delivering on AIM's commitment to support the UK's innovative independent music community and level the music playing field."