Sony Music Australia & New Zealand chairman and CEO Denis Handlin will receive the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at this year’s APRA Awards.
Denis has seen the careers of Midnight Oil, Savage Garden, Guy Sebastian, Men at Work, Delta Goodrem, and more flourish. he also started The Sony Foundation, an organisation which has raised more than $12 million for charity.
APRA CEO Brett Cottle said “Denis’ name has been synonymous with the success of some of Australia’s best loved acts over the past 25 years. His driving leadership and unstinting support of Australian music artists has helped shape our modern music landscape. A true advocate for Australian music, it is fitting that his influence is recognised in this way. On behalf of the APRA Board, we congratulate you.”
“I am truly humbled and honoured by this recognition from APRA. To be recognised by industry peers and in this case particularly from songwriters and music publishers, is very special indeed,” he said in a statement.
“I have the deepest respect and admiration for Ted Albert. He was one of the real founders of the modern Australian music industry and a great champion of songwriters and artists. I first met him when I was a very young MD in the 80s and he has always been a great influence on me.”
The 2009 APRA Awards will be held on June 23 at The Peninsula in Melbourne. It will screen on MAX on July 5.
Image source: APRA website