Throughout our history we have always operated with the values of care and respect that the Alberts business was built on.
Who we are
Alberts Team
David Albert
CEO
David Albert
CEO
David is part of the fifth generation to work in the Albert family business. He joined Alberts in 2004 after a career working across the globe in marketing roles with companies including Coca-Cola, Eastman Kodak and Kelloggs and back home with telecommunications companies Optus and Telstra. In 2016 David oversaw the sale of the music business J. Albert & Son to BMG and has been instrumental in not only consolidating and growing the Alberts business but helping to expand its philanthropic focus. David holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management and a Masters from the University of Massachusetts, has recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and holds several not-for-profit director roles.
Ingrid Albert
Executive Director
Ingrid Albert
Executive Director
Ingrid is an executive director and member of the 5th generation at Alberts. She is actively involved in the impact ventures team investing in early stage impact start-ups across four theme areas: vibrant culture, equality, healthy minds & sustainable environments. She also manages Alberts philanthropic arm, The Tony Foundation, which supports organisations using music to create improved life outcomes for young people. Ingrid leads the marketing at Alberts, with a current focus on leadership and advocacy. Prior to Alberts, she built her strategy and marketing career working locally and internationally in Switzerland and Dubai for FMCG company CPW (a joint venture between Nestle and General Mills).
Emily Albert
Executive Director
Emily Albert
Executive Director
Emily is passionate about leaving the world in better shape for future generations. Whether this is through grant funding to amplify the impact of non-profits, or investing in for-purpose businesses as a force for good. She sees a great opportunity to mobilise capital, resources and everyday actions to create the world we want to live in. Emily’s career has focused on helping not-for-profit, corporate and government organisations implement, track and improve their social impact and sustainability strategies, both in Australia and the UK. She has spent much of this time measuring the intangible and articulating its value so that it can be understood by multiple stakeholders. At Alberts, Emily leads our impact approach, ensuring achieving a positive impact is at the heart of what we do. She also heads Music Education: Right from the Start – a national collaborative initiative led by Alberts to ensure all Australian primary school children have access to a quality, ongoing, sequential music education and the benefits this brings. Emily likes to collect degrees, but was most challenged during her MBA at INSEAD surrounded by 75 nationalities and multiple perspectives which helped open her eyes to the opportunities and challenges in this interconnected world we live in with global problems requiring global solutions.
Kirsty Albert
Executive Director
Kirsty Albert
Executive Director
Kirsty is an executive director and member of the 5th generation at Alberts. She is passionate about the capacity of business to make a positive impact, with a particular focus on people, diversity and inclusion. With a career spanning two decades in corporate law, HR, governance and corporate strategy, Kirsty has a wealth of experience advising companies and helping them navigate the challenges that come with growth. Her career includes businesses from small fast-paced startups through to large multi-nationals across a number of industries, including life sciences, transport and logistics, professional services, education and property development. Kirsty has created and led legal and HR functions both domestically and internationally and has helped guide companies through successful exits and post-acquisition integration. Kirsty joined Alberts in 2018. She leads the legal, governance and people and culture functions and is actively involved in Alberts Impact Ventures investing in and supporting early stage impact start-ups. Kirsty serves on a number of boards and is a Graduate of AICD and a fellow of Governance Institute of Australia.
Ben Edmonds
Chief Financial Officer
Ben Edmonds
Chief Financial Officer
Ben believes that contemporary accounting and finance is about being a business partner rather than a number cruncher. Ben brings over 15 years senior finance and accounting experience from a range of roles with multinationals LG and BMG, large Australian private entities including Alberts, and the not-for-profit organisation Financial Services Institute of Australasia. Ben manages and is responsible for the Finance, Administration and Royalties team at Alberts, a team of three that manages the full accounting and finance function, investments administration and the processing of music royalties. Ben holds an Advanced Diploma of Accounting, a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) from Western Sydney University and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with CPA Australia. Ben is passionate about nurturing those around him to grow, develop and reach their full potential. Outside of the office his main passions are his young family and whatever is in his garage.
Rebecca Ingram
Finance Manager
Rebecca Ingram
Finance Manager
Rebecca joined Alberts in 2013, bringing over 10 years’ accounting and finance experience from roles in education, manufacturing, arts & entertainment, commercial property and financial investments. Rebecca’s responsibilities involve financial accounting, budget preparation and reforecasting, compliance, systems and processes management. Originally from Christchurch, Rebecca has called Sydney home since 2009 and continues to learn, live and study in the city. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of South Australia and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with CPA Australia. She is passionate about running, baking and animal welfare.
Will Heron
Senior Accountant – Investments
Will Heron
Senior Accountant – Investments
Joining Alberts in March 2023 from PwC in Sydney, Will works within the Finance, Admin, Royalties, and Investments team, focusing on two of Alberts' investment portfolios. He serves in the capacity of IC Secretary, Accountant, and is involved in the investment pipeline. Originally from NZ, Will has called Sydney home since early 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University of Wellington, majoring in Finance, Economics, and Accounting. Outside of work, Will enjoys spending time on the golf course and cycling.
John Joannides
Royalty Manager
John Joannides
Royalty Manager
JJ has been with Alberts since 2002. He has spent most of his career working in the music Industry on all aspects of royalties & copyright both in music publishing and recording sectors. Prior to joining Alberts JJ worked at EMI Records dealing with major international artists such as The Beatles & Queen. JJ brings this vast amount of royalty experience and knowledge to Alberts where he currently administers all aspects of the publishing & record royalties for AC/DC and the Vanda, Young & Wright catalogues. He is passionate about music and the visual arts.
Glenn Bartlett
Head of Strategy – Impact Ventures
Glenn Bartlett
Head of Strategy – Impact Ventures
Glenn has spent the last 20 years figuring out how to grow businesses. He started his career at Saatchi & Saatchi in London and went on to work for some of the world’s most recognisable brands, like Coca-Cola, Nestle and Unilever. He’s most proud of the work he's done more recently, as an equity partner and Head Of Strategy at management consultant / ad agency Step Change. Over 5 years Step Change grew from just a handful of staff to over 30 and worked with hundreds of businesses to help them define their growth strategy and articulate their unique brand stories. Glenn is passionate about the role of business in creating a better more sustainable world, building great brands and defining innovative growth strategies. His personal purpose is ‘to help people buy a better world’. Then there’s sailing and of course the All Blacks.
Jane Albert
Journalist
Jane Albert
Journalist
Jane is a journalist, author and member of the fifth generation at Alberts. Her work with Alberts involves sharing the stories and impact of our inspiring AIV founders and their businesses as well as the organisations we partner with through Alberts philanthropic arm, the Tony Foundation. Jane has two decades of experience in the media writing for the major Australian newspapers and magazines with a focus on the arts, culture and social impact. She is driven to share stories of Australia’s cultural champions and changemakers highlighting the powerful work they do in contributing to a vibrant culture. Jane is a regular contributor to the Weekend Australian, the Sydney Morning Herald, Broadsheet (Sydney), Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Australia, Limelight and Wish magazine. In 2010 Jane’s first book House of Hits was published by Hardie Grant. The book explored 125 years of Alberts business history and the significant role it played in the evolution of popular culture and entertainment in Sydney.
Alicia Neil
Executive Assistant & Marketing Support
Alicia Neil
Executive Assistant & Marketing Support
With a background as entertainment editor for WHO Magazine, and various business support and communications roles with City of Sydney Council and social planning agency Cred Consulting, Alicia was excited to bring her diverse skillset to Alberts in November 2023. Inspired by Alberts' values, strong female leadership, and a shared commitment to creating meaningful impact, Alicia plays a pivotal role in supporting marketing and communications across the company, as well as supporting executive functions while contributing to initiatives like The Tony Foundation and Music Education: Right from the Start.
Claire Cassidy
Project Manager
Claire Cassidy
Project Manager
Claire’s background is in fashion, marketing and advertising, including an eight-year stint at Apple. London-born Claire joined Alberts in November 2023 as project manager, hitting the ground running as a member of the Strategy Phase 2 review team, helping to develop processes and manage diverse projects to improve efficiency across Alberts. Claire, who has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Nottingham, is motivated by working in an environment that prioritises positive impact and well-being – a theme that spills over into her home-life. A multidisciplinary artists, illustrator and all-round maker of things, Claire operates her own small business, Studio Flos, creating colourful hand-cut paper illustrations.
Ananya Dave
Business Services Undergraduate
Ananya Dave
Business Services Undergraduate
Ananya Dave joined the Impact Ventures team in September 2023 for a six-month investments internship in the hope of kick-starting a purpose-driven career after relocating from Nairobi, capital of Kenya, to Sydney to pursue study and career opportunities. In her third year of a double-degree at UNSW comprising of a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Bachelor of Information Systems, Ananya is now employed as business services undergraduate, supporting the broader Alberts team. With a keen interest in investing, entrepreneurship and impact, Ananya is proving herself to be a pragmatic leader, elected by her peers to serve as 2024 Impact Officer for the Global Shapers Sydney Hub, an initiative by the World Economic Forum.
Will Richardson
Non-executive Director, AGS
Will Richardson
Non-executive Director, AGS
Will believes in the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things needed to move us toward a unified world. Will is the CEO of Giant Leap Capital and Managing Partner of the Giant Leap, Australia’s first 100% impact venture capital fund dedicated to investing in rapidly scalable, early stage businesses that fuse profit and purpose. Will has over 15 years’ experience in venture capital and private equity. He was previously Head of Venture Capital at the Impact Investment Group and an Investment Manager and Executive Officer at the CVC Group. He is also a mentor at Startmate and has held various not-for-profit directorships.
Andrew Rothery
Non-executive Director, AGS
Andrew Rothery
Non-executive Director, AGS
Andrew is passionate about helping people do their best, in whatever field they might be pursuing. He started his working life as a corporate lawyer with Freehills before honing his commercial and consulting skills with McKinsey & Company. He then began a long career in private market investing, with his original focus being on later stage deals (LBOs and MBOs). In recent years his focus has been on impact investing and early stage investing. With roles in businesses spanning wealth management, private equity and venture capital investing, incubation of deep technology businesses and the operation of wholesale nurseries, Andrew still works hard to make time for his family and his passion pursuits of listening to music, keeping fit, wine appreciation and contemporary art.
Careers
Investment Manager – Alberts Impact Capital
Alberts Impact Capital is looking for an Investment Manager to:
- Own and manage the end to end investment process for our venture capital and direct alternative investments
- Manage deal pipeline, evaluate opportunities and do the heavy lifting on due diligence and investment theses
- Manage our systems and reporting
- Be the central contact and work closely with our portfolio companies as they grow
The role is a full time role based in Sydney. We are using the Applied platform for our applications.
Apply Now
Past Chairs
Sam Mostyn AC
Former Chair, Albert Group Services
In 2019 Sam became the first non-family member and woman appointed Chair of an Alberts board since the business began in 1885. A lawyer and corporate leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors Sam was appointed as Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) the nation’s highest honour in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List for her eminent service in the social justice sporting gender equality and business sector work. A respected leader and mentor in her four years as Chair of AGS Sam was renowned for driving sustainable practices fostering diversity and championing equality notably Alberts’ public support for The Voice referendum. Celebrated for her inclusive leadership and advocacy around gender equity diversity and climate change in April 2024 Sam was announced as Australia’s 28th Governor-General.
Robert Otto Albert AO RFD RD
Former Chair, Albert Investments Pty Ltd
A fourth-generation member of the Albert family and former partner with Sydney law firm Allen Allen & Hemsley, Robert joined the family business in 1984, working alongside brothers Ted and Tony and his father, Sir Alexis. He was appointed Chair of the AIP board in 1996, a position he held until his death on February 7, 2024, aged 89. Direct yet humble, Robert’s values-driven leadership was pivotal in maintaining the foundational strength of the family business and board, overseeing its evolution amidst a changing music industry landscape. A philanthropist, lover of the arts, ardent sailor and dedicated husband to Libby and their three children, Robert was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was awarded the Reserve Decoration (RD) for his community and naval service respectively.
Our values
We’re driven by the core belief that the best returns include both profit and purpose.
But we also believe that the journey is just as important as the destination; that our job is to partner not just invest, that loyalty matters, that ethics and integrity lead to better outcomes – and that the pioneering Australian spirit should be supported because it can lead to extraordinary things.
A proud Australian family business for over five generations
Integrity
We are honest and reliable. We do what we say with care and respect.
Loyalty
We look out for each other, we’re in this together.
Passion
We’re driven by what we care about and the impact we can make, we have fun along the way.
Creativity
We believe in the power of creativity to inspire people and ignite innovation.
Humility
We value diverse perspectives and the power of collaboration, we solve challenges together.
Courage
Pioneering in spirit and resilient when challenged, we advocate for the change we want to see.
LIVING OUR VALUES
Meet the Tony Foundation
Since 2012 the Tony Foundation has been improving lives through music. We partner with organisations who use music to improve life outcomes for marginalised youth, youth experiencing mental health challenges and Indigenous youth by offering grants, loans, advice and networks.
OUR HISTORY
Alberts, family and backing pioneers
Since 1885 Alberts has played a vital role in the evolution of Australia’s media and popular culture, from the early days of music publishing through to the birth of commercial radio and television and the Australian pop and rock music industry. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit Alberts has supported artists from AC/DC to the Easybeats and Baz Luhrmann and has never been afraid to back technological and social change.
Led by the fifth generation, the family business is focussed on impact investing, backing pioneering founders and organisations who share our vision for a better tomorrow.
Making Moves
Our history of pioneering
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1885
Newly-arrived Swiss immigrant watchmaker Jacques Albert establishes a watch and clock repair shop in Sydney’s Newtown
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1894
Recognising the demand for music for entertainment Jacques launches Alberts’ Music Stores in the Sydney CBD, selling instruments and sheet music
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1894
Jacques’s son Frank Albert joins the business, which is registered as J Albert & Son. Frank begins to secure the international trademark for the word and symbol of the boomerang
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1896
Alberts begins importing and selling Boomerang mouth organs: cheap, portable and simple to play, they are an instant success.
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Late 1890s
Alberts begins selling Boomerang Songsters, pocket-sized books of music and lyrics to the popular songs of the day
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1901
Capitalising on the immediate return from the Boomerang Songsters and mouth organs Jacques Albert sails for New York and starts to partner with the publishers of the hit ‘Tin Pan Alley’ songwriters such as Irving Berlin to represent their music in Australia and New Zealand.
L to R: Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Victor Herbert, Jene Buck, John Philip Sousa, Harry Von Tilzer, Chaz K Harris.
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1926
Frank Albert co-founds the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) to protect the rights of songwriters, music publishers and composers.
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1929
As radio becomes more popular as home entertainment, Frank Albert and partners win the Australian government tender to establish a national network of radio stations. They call it the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) and run it successfully for three years until the government resumes control in 1932
L to R: Sir Harry Percival Brown, Stuart Doyle, Frank Albert and Ben Fuller.
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1933
Frank Albert takes over radio station 2UW, the first of what will become a successful stable of seven radio stations nationally that Alberts runs until 1995, ultimately overseen by Frank’s grandson Tony Albert.
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1956
The introduction of television provides another outlet for broadcasting and promoting music. In 1954 Frank Albert’s son Alexis Albert became a founding director, and Alberts a shareholder, of Sydney television station ATN-7.
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1964
With the arrival of Beatlemania in Australia Alexis Albert’s son Ted Albert founds Albert Productions, an independent music production company, to identify and secure an Australian pop and rock sound. The first band signed is Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs closely followed by The Easybeats and later Ted Mulry Gang and John Paul Young.
L to R: The Easybeats: George Young, Stevie Wright, Gordon “Snowy” Fleet, Harry Vanda; Ted Albert in the middle
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1968
Fifa Riccobono joins Alberts in a secretarial position and is ultimately appointed Alberts CEO, the first woman to hold such a position in the Australian music industry.
L to R: Fifa Riccobono and Angry Anderson
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1970
Albert Productions record label is launched.
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1974
Ted Albert brings recording in-house to the Albert Studios in King Street. The studios are also hired by non-Alberts bands including Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Hoodoo Gurus and Mental as Anything.
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1974
Alberts signs newly formed rock band AC/DC, later signing The Angels, Rose Tattoo and Stevie Wright. By 1976 AC/DC would sign a worldwide deal with Atlantic Records; and in 1980 Back in Black is released, going on to become one of the highest selling albums of all time.
Credit: Photography by Philip Morris. L to R: Phil Rudd, Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott
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1989
Ted Albert moves into film production with the formation of M&A Productions, engaging young director Baz Luhrmann to write a film adaptation of his 1988 stage play Strictly Ballroom for the screen. In 1992 Strictly Ballroom is released accompanied by Alberts first film soundtrack, in collaboration with Baz Luhrmann.
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1994
Tony Albert flicks the switch from AM to FM and after 69 years 2UW becomes MIX 106.5.
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1995
Alberts sells its stable of national radio stations to Australian Provincial Newspaper Holdings Ltd, and sets up a diversified investment portfolio run by Tony Albert.
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2001
Alexis Albert’s son and Alberts chairman Robert Albert oversees a joint venture with Wayne Stuart, Piano Australia, to manufacture the unique Australian-designed and locally made high quality, handcrafted piano, the Stuart & Sons piano.
L to R: Robert Albert and Wayne Stuart
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2004
Robert Albert’s son David Albert joins Alberts and builds the music roster to include hit local songwriters including Wally DeBacker (Gotye), Josh Pyke, San Cisco, Megan Washington, Tim Levinson (Urthboy) and Jess Cerro (Montaigne).
Credit: Photography by McLean Stephenson. Music artist featured is Megan Washington
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2009
Alberts in conjunction with APRA AMCOS launch the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition. Recent winners include Amy Shark, Matt Corby and the Preatures.
Credit : logo artwork created by Reg Mombasa
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2012
The fifth generation of the family launches The Tony Foundation, Alberts philanthropic arm. Named after Tony Albert it strives to enable positive social outcomes through the power of music.
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Present
Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, Alberts is focused on backing the next generation of pioneers out to create a better tomorrow.
