Matthew Rogers Joins GYRO Group as CCO

From left: GYRO Group’s Vivienne Melish, CMO and co-founder; Andy Irvine, CEO and co-founder; Alex Wilson, Head of Distribution and Artist Support; Matthew Rogers, Chief Commercial Officer.

Matthew Rogers has a new gig.

The former UNIFIED Music Group COO resurfaces at GYRO Group, where he’s named as chief commercial officer.

Rogers joins a company that’s said to be the biggest Australian-owned music distribution and artist services companies, one that boasts over 60 staff worldwide.

In his new role, the veteran independent music executive will be instrumental in managing and driving the growth of DistroDirect, GYRO Group’s “hyper-local” boutique distribution and catalogue management system.

Based in Melbourne, Rogers will be expected to shape DistroDirect’s upcoming product development, accelerated growth, and market expansion. Also, he will drive the group’s commercial and legal strategy, supporting the CEO, Andy Irvine, on new label and artist product strategies, and advocate for artists and rights holders.

Currently, DistroDirect has a global reach with over 500 micro-distributors in over 40 markets.

Rogers joins GYRO Group following 14-years as COO at UNIFIED Music Group, the sprawling Melbourne independent business led by CEO Jaddan Comerford.

Joining UNIFIED in 2011 as general manager, Rogers rose to chief operating officer in 2017, and later served as COO. He finished up on February 28th.

Raised in Brisbane, where GYRO Group is headquartered, Rogers supported the global careers of UNIFIED artists including Violent Soho, The Amity Affliction, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, while helping to launch key initiatives such as 24Hundred, UNIFY Gathering, UNIFIED Artist Management, STL Tones, and Community Music.

He also logged four years on the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) board (including two as VP), seven years on the Australian Independent Record Association (AIR) board, and enjoyed a stint on the PPCA board.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Mat to the GYRO Group family,” comments 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.”

Founded in 2018, GYRO Group represents leading music distribution and artist services brands including GYROstream, DistroDirect, GROUP SPEED and Soothe Sounds.

GYROstream represents thousands of artists across Australia and New Zealand for artist services and global digital distribution, and delivers to upwards of 100 digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube.

“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,” comments CMO Vivienne Mellish. “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.”

Rogers’ recruitment follows the appointment of ex-Virgin Music Group exec Jon Winchester to the GROUP SPEED team in North America, as new Artist and Streaming Marketing Lead.