Michael Gudinski’s son Matt takes over as CEO of the Mushroom Group

Mushroom Group today announced that Matt Gudinski will assume the role of CEO of the Mushroom Group, effective immediately.

He moves into the role following the sudden death of his father, Australian music pioneer Michael Gudinski, on March 2.

Matt most recently held the role of Executive Director of Mushroom Group from 2013.

In the eight years following, he and his father worked side by side at the helm of Australia’s most powerful independent entertainment group, overseeing more than 250 employees and two dozen companies.

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.’

Passing the torch: Michael Gudinski’s (right) son Matt (left) has taken over as CEO of the Mushroom Group following his father’s sudden death last month at the age of 68 

While Matt was literally born into the business, he officially joined Mushroom Group in 2003 at the age of 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 many other things, driving Mushroom’s evolution, diversification and vision to be a global leader.

The sudden death of Michael Gudinski last had raised questions about the future of the Mushroom Group entertainment empire he founded in 1972.

Gudinski, who was widely regarded as the ‘father of the Australian music industry’, died in Melbourne at the age of 68.

Soon after his passing, there was speculation his son, Matt, the executive director of the group since 2013, would take over the reins completely.

Like father, like son: Matt, who joined Mushroom Group in 2003 at the age of 17, said: 'This isn't a role that I expected to assume yet, but I am determined to honour the great legacy my father left.' Matt is pictured with Molly Meldrum at Mushroom Group's 40th anniversary party in 2013

Like father, like son: Matt, who joined Mushroom Group in 2003 at the age of 17, said: ‘This isn’t a role that I expected to assume yet, but I am determined to honour the great legacy my father left.’ Matt is pictured with Molly Meldrum at Mushroom Group’s 40th anniversary party in 2013

At the time, a Mushroom Group spokesperson said there would be no comment on the future of the company yet, but confirmed Matt’s then-position as executive director.

Mushroom Group is the largest independent music and entertainment company in Australia and New Zealand, and is home to Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, eight record labels and at least a dozen other specialist divisions.

Michael Gudinski had reportedly told guests at Mushroom’s 40th anniversary party in 2013: ‘If any other p***k asks me if I’m retiring tonight they can f**k off.’ 

Today, Mushroom Group has an enviable roster of artists, including Jimmy Barnes, Faith No More, CHVRCHES and The Temper Trap.

Family: Michael Gudinski is pictured with his wife, Sue, and children, Matt and Kate, in 2005

Family: Michael Gudinski is pictured with his wife, Sue, and children, Matt and Kate, in 2005

The Mushroom Group website states that Matt sat ‘aside his father at the helm’ of the empire, having joined the family business straight out of school in 2003.

He has promoted countless Australasian tours for major artists such as Drake, Bruno Mars and A$AP Rocky.

Three years after he was promoted to executive director in 2013, he launched the group’s first management arm, Role Model Artists.

Legend: Gudinski (centre, with Kylie and Dannii Minogue in 2009) died in Melbourne earlier this week at the age of 68. His cause of death is unknown at this point

Legend: Gudinski (centre, with Kylie and Dannii Minogue in 2009) died in Melbourne earlier this week at the age of 68. His cause of death is unknown at this point

Michael’s death shook the nation when it was announced early last month. He leaves behind wife Sue, children Matt and Kate, and two grandchildren.

Mushroom Group said in a statement at the time: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gudinski AM overnight.

‘The much-loved Australian music legend died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, Australia. Michael Gudinski was a key figure in shaping the Australian music industry.

Final image: Gudinski was pictured last Thursday at a Midnight Oil concert, where he was acting like his 'typical boisterous, funny self'. Pictured with Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett (centre) and ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland (left)

Final image: Gudinski was pictured last Thursday at a Midnight Oil concert, where he was acting like his ‘typical boisterous, funny self’. Pictured with Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett (centre) and ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland (left)

‘He founded the Mushroom Group in 1972 at just 20 years old, which flourished into Australia’s largest independent entertainment group covering touring, record labels, publishing, merchandising, booking agencies, film and television production and creative services.

‘Some of Australia’s most iconic albums have been released under one of his Mushroom Group record labels. 

‘His touring company Frontier Touring is Australia’s leading promoter, touring the biggest names in global music since its inception in 1979.

‘A larger-than-life figure, Michael was widely respected for his unwavering passion for all music – in particular Australian music.’

Legend: Gudinski is pictured with Ed Sheeran at Optus Stadium in Perth on March 1, 2018

Legend: Gudinski is pictured with Ed Sheeran at Optus Stadium in Perth on March 1, 2018