Credit: Daniel Boud
APRA AMCOS and AMPAL bid farewell to industry legend, Peter Hebbes AM, as he announces his
retirement from the music industry and both Boards ahead of the Annual General Meetings on Tuesday
19 November.
A key player in the music industry for over 50 years, Hebbes was a trusted and respected leader in
music publishing, record labels and artist management. In his retirement, he is being recognised for his
significant contribution to the industry.
Launching his career in London in the 1970s in artist management with the legendary Peter Gormley,
Hebbes worked with superstars including Sir Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John AC DBE and The
Shadows.
The UK company also represented the international arm of Australian independent record label, Festival
Records and Music Publishing. At their invitation, Hebbes moved to Australia in 1977 and took up the
position of A&R Director, before later becoming Managing Director of Festival Music Publishing.
In 1993, Hebbes left the organisation to take up the role of Managing Director of Universal/MCA Music
Publishing Group, before going independent and setting up his own music publishing, business
management and consultancy company, Hebbes Music Group (HMG), in Sydney in 2000.
HMG was named Independent Music Publisher of the Year in 2003 by The Music Network and worked
with countless theatre and screen productions including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shout and The
Merchants of Bollywood until its sale to Cooking Vinyl Australia in 2024.
In 2006, Hebbes’ contribution to the industry and extensive charity work with organisations like
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy of Australia (now Noro), The Golden Stave Foundation and Variety -
the Children’s Charity, NSW was recognised by the Australian Government with his appointment of
Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
From 2010 to 2012, he took up the role of General Manager of the Australasian Music Publishers
Association Limited (AMPAL), also serving on its Board for over 40 years. Additionally, he had a hand in
the running of several other industry organisations including the Australian Music Centre (AMC) and the
Music Industry Advisory Council (MIAC).
Hebbes served on the Board of the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) from 1988 to
2000, on the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) Board for 34 years from
1988 to 2000, and again from 2002 to 2024.
Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, explains: “Peter has been an absolutely pivotal player in our
industry for over 50 years, and his stellar career will be remembered for a long time to come.
“Through his work with APRA AMCOS and many other organisations and charities in the music industry,
he has brought great passion, dedication and guidance to everyone he’s worked with, and he will be
sorely missed. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”
Clive Hodson, Chair of AMPAL, adds: “Peter has been a friend and colleague for over 30 years.
Throughout this time, I have witnessed his selfless dedication to his writers and invaluable support to
the boards and organisations he has been part of.
“His 40 plus years as a valued AMPAL Board member have showcased his deep knowledge, expertise
and love of music, making him a valued asset to both the Board and our wider membership.
“His lifelong friendships with some of the world’s most respected artists are a testament to his integrity
as a person. AMPAL, and I personally, will miss Peter for his insight and commitment as a valued
member of the Board.”