John joined the music products industry after some years working with the Ford Motor Company in Australia, the US and Asia Pacific. He originally worked with Australis, but then moved across to Roland where he was managing director until 1996 when he handed over to Glenn Dodson. He remains a shareholder and the chairman of Roland Corporation Australia. During his time with Roland, John set up the company’s New Zealand operation, and established Roland Digital Group in both Australia and New Zealand. He was also part of the syndicate that bought the Music Products Division from the Administrator of Brash’s, and he is now the chairman of the company which was re-named the Allans Music Group.

He is a past president and past vice president of the AMA, was a member of the Executive Committee for many years, is a committee member of the Australian Contemporary Music Institute, director of the Soundhouse Music Alliance, and the chairman of The Executive Connection, an international organisation providing mentoring and coaching for senior management.