As we wrapped up 2023 with plans for phase 2 of the Alberts 10-year strategy, we couldn’t have anticipated the profound changes 2024 would bring. The tragic loss of beloved family members Gaish Albert and Robert Albert in February left an indelible impact. And while the Prime Minister’s April 3 announcement that Sam Mostyn AC would become Governor-General was a tremendous outcome for the nation, it meant Sam would step down from all roles, including as Chair of our business board. Additionally, with Robert’s passing, a new Chair for the family board was needed.
These challenges required us to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. It’s a testament to all involved at Alberts that we achieved so much this year – from consolidating our strategic goals, to recertifying as a B Corp, and celebrating 20 years of CEO David Albert’s leadership.
Reflecting on some of our highlights of 2024:
- In November, the team pulled off a true surprise celebration full of laughter, tears memories, and heartfelt tributes in honour of CEO David Albert’s 20 years in the family business. From the 2016 partial sale of the music business to BMG, to founding Alberts Impact Ventures, and launching Albert Group Services, our steadfast leader has steered some major transformations — and we couldn’t resist marking the milestone with a surprise he didn’t see coming!
Honoring 20 years of steadfast leadership with our CEO, David Albert, in November.
- Alberts Impact Ventures (AIV) added its 22nd and final portfolio company, CommandPost, while also making follow-on investments in Tixel, Baymatob, ThroughLine, Amber Electric, Harvest B, and Samphire Neuroscience, reflecting our commitment to backing pioneering, impact-focused start-ups across our impact framework themes of equality, healthy minds, sustainable environment and vibrant culture. We’re focused on supporting these portfolio companies with the remaining capital and strategic guidance.
- Recognising the importance of speaking publicly on critical issues like climate change, Alberts made a strong debut at SXSW Sydney, hosting two impactful conference panels. Head of Alberts Impact Ventures, Glenn Bartlett, and some of our founders discussed the urgency of real-world climate solutions in “Hardware vs Software: Who is Winning the Fight for Climate Change?” SMH’s David Swan led our second panel, “Mobilising Capital Towards Positive Impact,” showcasing how Alberts is leading the charge in impact investing, with insights from executive director, Ingrid Albert.
Head of Music Education: Right from the Start, Emily Albert, at the launch of our SA Primary Teacher’s Survey in Adelaide in May.
- Our Music Education: Right from the Start initiative gained significant momentum with progress across jurisdictions, new research, and expanded collaborations. 2024 ended with a positive report from the NSW Joint Select Committee into Arts and Music Education and Training, whose recommendations, including mandated music learning hours, aligned with our submission. In SA, Education Minister Blair Boyer helped launch our pilot ACER Primary Teacher’s Survey, and in early 2025, we’ll release the NSW Primary Teacher’s Survey funded by Sound NSW – the first baseline data on music delivery in NSW schools – in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and Teachers Federation.
- As part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategic goal, we focussed on embedding and promoting gender equality and diversity within our organisation, and beyond. This included an assessment of our invested funds’ DEI strategies and leadership diversity, to form a baseline to build upon. At SXSW Sydney, we co-launched the Equity Clear initiative with Scale Investors and Giant Leap to help close the gender gap in venture capital. Through AIV, we’re among 65 VC firms committed to disclosing the gender make-up of our investments, with 43% of our capital directed to female- and mixed-gender-led businesses as at June.
- Following The Tony Foundation’s three-year grant to Regen Studios, we hosted a private screening of their documentary Future Council (directed by Damon Gameau) in August. The event at Ritz Randwick brought together impact investors, philanthropists, and the Alberts team, with cast member and musician Ruby Rodgers performing original songs from the film. The presence of children in the audience made the evening especially meaningful, reflecting the film’s inspiring message of youth leading climate action.
The Tony Foundation’s Ingrid Albert with Future Council cast member, Ruby Rodgers, and director Damon Gameau.
- “We have had the benefit of a leader who, as the Prime Minister said, is a truly modern leader,” remarked David Albert at an Alberts team farewell lunch for Sam Mostyn AC. We are now recruiting for a female Chair to replace Sam, who was the first woman and non-family member to lead the Albert Group Services board.
- AC/DC electrified audiences across Europe, successfully completing their tour with 22 shows that thrilled over two million fans. The excitement doesn’t stop there, with further touring planned for 2025 and US tour dates just announced!
- We recertified as a B Corp and completed our second year as a certified carbon-neutral organization under Climate Active, with a commitment to reducing emissions by 42% by 2030. Additionally, our new Work180 endorsement recognises our commitment to advancing women’s careers through our inclusive practices and flexible work policies.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has partnered with us throughout the year. Your support and collaboration have been integral to driving our mission to pioneer a vibrant and sustainable future for all. We look forward to continuing this journey toward positive impact together.
