Mushroom Group today announced that Matt Gudinski will assume the role of CEO of the Mushroom Group, effective immediately. Matt moves into the role following the sudden passing of his father, Michael Gudinski, on March 2 this year.
Matt most recently held the role of executive director of Mushroom Group from 2013. In the eight years following, Matt and Michael worked side by side, overseeing over 250 employees and two dozen companies.
Formed in 1972, the Mushroom Group encompasses touring and events, record labels and artist services, publishing, merchandising, booking agencies, film and television production, talent management, venues, creative services, and a brand agency.
In 2013 Matt spearheaded a public relaunch of the Group where he was named as Michael’s successor.
Matt Gudinski said “This isn’t a role that I expected to assume yet, but I am determined to honour the great legacy my father left. Mushroom Group is in its strongest position ever and as we fast approach our 50th year I know that our incredibly talented Mushroom family will help me deliver the vision Dad and I had for the next 50 years of our business.”
While Matt was literally born into the business, he officially joined Mushroom Group in 2003 at age 17. Since then, he has been hands on with all aspects of the Group, helping grow its label and touring divisions while overseeing change in music publishing and artist management amongst other things.
A state memorial was held for Michael Gudinski on March 24th. A crowd of over 7,000 inside Rod Laver Arena was boosted by more than 50,000 watching online via YouTube.
Senior Wurundjeri elder of the Kulin Nation Aunty Joy Murphy was the first person onstage with an introduction remembering time she spent with Michael Gudinski and a Welcome to Country.
The event was three hours long and included tributes from artists such as Sting, Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, Kate Ceberano, Amy Shark, Gordi, Kasey Chambers, Missy Higgins, Jack River, and Deborah Conway.