Australian music company Mushroom Group, founded by Michael Gudinski in 1972, is celebrating its 50th anniversary while remaining independent in an increasingly corporate world. Following the sudden death of Michael Gudinski in March 2021, his son Matt took over as CEO and has been overseeing the company’s expansion. Mushroom Group not only operates a successful record label, publishing company, and live music business, but also ventures into artist management, talent booking, film and TV, and merchandising. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has emerged stronger than ever and is now making a bid for international success with a new London office and global partnership with Universal Music Group.
Matt Gudinski, who grew up around the music industry, has been preparing for his role as CEO since he joined Mushroom Group at the age of 17. He is determined to continue his family’s legacy and has a passion for both music and business. Mushroom Group previously expanded internationally in the 1990s with the UK label Mushroom Infectious, which produced successful artists such as Muse and Garbage. Now, the company is focusing on re-establishing its global network and supporting the next generation of talent. In addition to its international expansion, Mushroom Group has launched a central management division, Mushroom Management, and formed a new leadership structure at Frontier Touring, in partnership with AEG. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a documentary, reimagined recordings, and an all-star anniversary concert set for November.
Despite the challenging circumstances of taking over as CEO during a pandemic and mourning his father’s loss, Matt Gudinski has led Mushroom Group to success. The company has retained all its staff during the COVID-19 period and has emerged as one of its most successful years in history. Matt Gudinski remains committed to the business and has no plans of selling or walking away. Instead, he is focused on consolidating and improving different aspects of the group, such as the management division and the film and TV projects. With the new London office and partnership with Universal Music Group, Mushroom Group is poised for continued growth and success in the international music industry.