PAUL REED will leave his post as Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) in November this year, having spent nine years at the festival trade body, starting as General Manager.
AIF represents just under half of all UK festivals above 5,000 capacity. Under Reed’s leadership, it has seen a growth of 137% in membership and the delivery of various digital and media campaigns including environmental initiatives, action against sexual violence and promoting safer spaces at festivals.
He has supported members through challenges that independent festivals continue to face, including the impact of Covid and ensuring members’ businesses were recognised and protected by the government.
“Leading the AIF for nine years has been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to be leaving an organisation with a growing membership that has real influence on government and wider industry,” Reed said.
“AIF has achieved some hugely impactful public campaigns and remains very visible and responsive to the needs of its members.”
“I hope to share details of my next steps in the music industry soon but, in the meantime, I would like to thank all the AIF members who have supported us, as well as board members, past and present and the partners and the staff I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside.”
AIF board member and COO of Kilimanjaro Live Zac Fox commented: “These are going to be big boots to fill. Paul has done an incredible job for the AIF, raising the profile of independent festivals and ensuring their voices were heard alongside the global corporations […] He’ll be very much missed by our entire industry, and I envy those who he’ll be fighting for next.”