GYRO Group has appointed music executive Matthew Rogers as its new chief commercial officer (CCO), marking a major leadership move for the Australian-owned digital music distribution and artist services company.
Rogers, who spent 14 years as chief operating officer at UNIFIED Music Group, brings a wealth of experience in scaling independent music businesses globally. In his new role, he will be instrumental in driving the growth of DistroDirect, GYRO Group’s hyper-local boutique distribution and catalogue management system, which now powers over 500 micro-distributors across 40 markets on six continents.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Mat to the GYRO Group family,” said CEO Andy Irvine.
“His extensive experience in driving growth and his deep understanding of the independent music landscape will be invaluable as we embark on the next phase of development for DistroDirect and the wider group. Mat’s strategic insights, global networks and commercial acumen will be crucial in achieving our ambitious goals.”
The appointment follows a significant track record: During his time at UNIFIED, Rogers oversaw the company’s transformation from a seven-person Australian operation into a 100-person international enterprise with offices across Australia, North America and Europe. He played a key role in building the heavy music label UNFD and developing STL Tones into a major player in music software and plugins.
Rogers was also pivotal in UNIFIED’s early response to the landmark Raising Their Voices report in 2022, helping to implement progressive strategies around mental wellbeing, workplace safety and industry culture.
He has served over seven years on the board of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), as well as four years on the board of the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), including two years as vice president.
“The move marks a homecoming for Rogers, who returns to a Brisbane-based company nearly 20 years after relocating interstate,” said CMO and co-founder Vivienne Mellish. “GYRO Group is proudly headquartered in Queensland, creating global opportunities for independent artists so we’re absolutely pumped to welcome Mat back to where it all started for him. His track record speaks for itself, and we are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our commercial strategies and market presence. We are thrilled to have his expertise on board.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the dynamic team at GYRO Group at such a pivotal time,” added Rogers. “Having witnessed the company’s impressive growth and commitment to the independent music community, I am eager to contribute my experience to further develop DistroDirect and support GYRO Group’s ambitious international expansion plans. Joining a Queensland-based company after many years interstate feels like a natural and exciting next step.”
With offices across Australia, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Brazil, the Philippines and India, GYRO Group now represents several brands including GYROstream, DistroDirect, GROUP SPEED and Soothe Sounds. Independent artists using GYRO services have secured ARIA wins, Grammy nominations, No. 1 records and global chart placements. Notable names on their roster include Dom Dolla, ONEFOUR, WILLOW, The Amity Affliction, Lithe, Emma Memma and more.
