A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music) has promoted General Manager Lisa Hresko to Chief Operating Officer.
At the same time, the Board of the Foundation of Independent Music has appointed Hresko its first President.
Hresko joined A2IM in 2017 and has played a central role in the organization’s expansion, including its advocacy work, international strategy, and member services.
Over the past eight years, she has helped steer A2IM through a period of structural and programmatic growth that broadened the trade group’s influence across the global independent sector.
The Foundation of Independent Music, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recently launched by A2IM, is “dedicated to empowering independent recording rights owners” through education and resources.
Hresko was part of the team that established the foundation, which this year became the presenting entity behind both Indie Week and the Libera Awards.
In the past year plus, she contributed to the development of A2IM’s Star Certification program, the first sales certification designed exclusively for independent sector.
“I am thrilled to be continuing the important work we are doing here at A2IM, representing some of the most vibrant, passionate and creative artists and labels in the music industry.”
Lisa Hresko
Hresko also led the organization’s international trade strategy that earned A2IM the 2024 President’s “E” Star Award for Export Services, recognizing a multi-year effort to expand US independent music into emerging overseas markets.
A2IM noted that Hresko contributed to building a workplace culture recognised by Women in Music as one of the “Best Places to Work in 2025.”
In her operational role, Hresko has overseen the continued expansion of Indie Week, which A2IM says is now the largest independent record label conference globally. This year, she collaborated with AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) to launch the first-ever Indie Week Australia Edition, marking A2IM’s inaugural international expansion.
Hresko has also been recognized on Billboard’s Women in Music list for three consecutive years (2023–2025) and on the publication’s 2025 Indie Power Players list.
“Having worked closely with Lisa since 2017, I’ve seen firsthand her intelligence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the independent music community.”
Dr. Richard James Burgess
Commenting on her appointment, Hresko said: “I am thrilled to be continuing the important work we are doing here at A2IM, representing some of the most vibrant, passionate and creative artists and labels in the music industry, and building out the work of the Foundation of Independent Music.
“It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Richard and the rest of the A2IM team these past 8 years, and I look forward to building value for the independent community with Ian in the years ahead.”
A2IM’s outgoing President and CEO Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to see Lisa Hresko step into the roles of COO of A2IM and President of the Foundation for Independent Music.
“Having worked closely with Lisa since 2017, I’ve seen firsthand her intelligence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the independent music community. This promotion is richly deserved, and I couldn’t be happier for her—or more confident in the impact she’ll continue to make.”
Ian Harrison, A2IM’s new CEO, said: “I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Lisa as I begin my tenure as CEO of A2IM.”
“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Lisa as I begin my tenure as CEO of A2IM.”
Ian Harrison, A2IM
He added: “Her incredible knowledge accrued over the past 8 years and her passion for the independent music industry is unparalleled, and I know together we can continue to expand upon the important work that lies ahead for A2IM and our members.”
A2IM Executive Committee Chair Nabil Ayers (Beggars Group) commented that Hresko’s work “has strengthened not just A2IM, but the independent community as a whole.
“Over the past eight years, I’ve watched Lisa’s work strengthen not just A2IM, but the independent community as a whole. She leads with clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of what our members need. This promotion reflects the trust she’s earned across the organization, and I’m excited to see her continue shaping the future of independent music.”Music Business Worldwide
