Thick named as orchestra chair

Perth Symphony Orchestra has welcomed Tianqi Lithium general manager Phil Thick as its new chair.

Mr Thick will replace founding chair and State Administrative Tribunal senior member Maurice Spillane, who has overseen the orchestra’s constitution and the establishment of a board.

Led by founder and executive director Bourby Webster, PSO was established in 2011 and now has $1.4 million revenue, ranking it as the 22nd largest arts company in Western Australia, according to the BNiQ Search Engine.

Mr Thick has previously held roles as executive director of Shell Australia, director of the Esperance Port Authority, chief executive and director of Coogee Chemicals, managing director and chief executive of MHM Metals, and managing director of New Standard Energy.

Tianqi Lithium was recently awarded a State Arts and Culture Partnership Honours award for its support of the WA Symphony Orchestra’s education program.

He is the current chair of not-for-profit housing support agency Avivo, and was previously director of the Disability Services Commission.

“I'm passionate about the arts and particularly the impact music can have on the lives of everyone, regardless of age, culture or status,” Mr Thick said.

“We have been big fans of PSO for many years, particularly its commitment to bring music to the community.

“The opportunities are endless, and I want to work with Bourby and the PSO team to continue to grow and spread our influence, so all can share the joy the PSO experience brings.”

Departing chair Mr Spillane said the founding principle of PSO was to give opportunities to WA musicians and expose Western Australians to its music.

“I have been honoured to assist in the first phase of that incredible journey and am proud of what has been achieved in such a short time with the wonderful assistance of numerous musicians, donors, sponsors, volunteers and many other community members,” he said.

“I’ve no doubt it will grow from strength to strength under Bourby and the board’s guidance over the coming years.”

Mr Thick will be formally appointed at the orchestra’s AGM on November 18.