News

Music Estonia, the representative organisation and development center for Estonia’s music industry, has announced an open competition to recruit a new Dire and Member of the Management Board. The organisation’s current Director, Ave Sophia Demelemester, who has led the center for the past six years, has decided to hand over the baton to the next advocate of Estonia’s music business sector after completing two terms in office.

Over the past six years, Music Estonia has undergone significant development, maintaining and growing its community of more than 100 members, even through years marked by multiple crises. The organisation has supported and developed music industry professionals, expanded cooperation with Baltic and neighboring countries, and strengthened its presence in international networks.

“The decision to pass the baton has been carefully considered and comes with the knowledge that, over two terms, we have once again achieved many of the organisation’s strategic goals,” said Ave Sophia Demelemester, Director of Music Estonia. “In recent years, together with the entire sector, we have operated in a challenging environment—navigating a pandemic, rising operating costs, and an ongoing geopolitical crisis and war situation in Europe. Alongside these challenges, we have done our utmost to support the sector by continuing to attract both domestic and international resources, enabling us to provide programs and international opportunities for music entrepreneurs. We have remained active in cultural policy, created meaningful opportunities for our membership, and worked to strengthen recognition of the sector. We have also continued to develop Music Estonia’s governance structure and strategies. I believe Music Estonia is today a strong organisation with clear goals and solid partnerships, and that the sector is in safe hands together with our professional and outstanding team.”

Aivar Sirelpuu, Chairman of the Board of Music Estonia and Member of the Management Board of Tallinna Kontserdimaja AS, commented: “Under Ave Sophia Demelemester’s leadership, the Music Estonia team has made a remarkable leap forward over the past six years. Music Estonia has grown into a respected advocate for the sector and an internationally recognised representative organisation for Estonia’s creative industries. The Music Estonia family will miss Ave’s positive energy and unwavering dedication as a champion of the music sector. On behalf of the entire Music Estonia family, I wish Ave continued success and many great achievements in the future.”

Demelemester will continue leading the organisation until the end of October. The new Management Board member is expected to take up the position on 2 November 2026. The future leader will be responsible for the overall management of the organisation’s operations, strategic objectives, finances, and development, as well as active member engagement, sector advocacy, and participation in cultural policy discussions.

Applications for the position of Director and Member of the Management Board are open until 19 July 2026 through the Fontes executive search platform. Candidates are required to submit a CV, a motivation letter, and a short essay outlining their vision for Music Estonia’s role and future development. The new board member will be appointed by the Supervisory Board for a term of up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

## Background Information

Music Estonia is the representative organisation, development center, and export office for Estonia’s music industry, bringing together more than 100 members. We support the development of the music sector, promote the internationalization and professional growth of music entrepreneurs, recognize excellence, and represent the interests of the industry.

Music Estonia also operates two dedicated branches: Music Estonia Live and Music Estonia Managers. The organisation is a member of three international networks—EMEE, Live DMA, and EMMA—and also participates in the European Talent Exchange platform. Music Estonia is a strategic partner of Tallinn Music Week and the driving force behind the Estonian Music Industry Awards (EMEA).

The organisation values an open, collaborative, and knowledge-driven approach and serves as a trusted partner in the development of the sector. Music Estonia’s first Director was Virgo Sillamaa, who led the organisation from 2014 to 2020.

Further Information and Applications

Application documents and detailed requirements can be found via the recruitment announcement.

For inquiries, please contact: ave@musicestonia.eu.