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TORONTO – SOCAN – the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada – has announced that Canadian music industry leader Michael McCarty has been appointed to the position of Chief Membership & Business Development Officer, and that Irene Zeltway has been promoted from Director, National Member Operations, to become Head of Membership.
In the newly-created position, McCarty will play a key role in ensuring that SOCAN extends its place as a vital leader among global music rights organizations and the choice of songwriters, composers and music publishers. He will be responsible for leading innovation in the Membership department of 40 full time employees to envision, create and deliver cutting-edge 21st century services to current and future SOCAN members.
McCarty has more than 25 years’ experience in the music industry, including 18 as President of EMI Music Publishing Canada. He was most recently President of Canadian rights management company, ole. As a passionate advocate for Canadian talent, he played a key role in the development and international success of many notable Canadian artists and songwriters, such as Sum 41, Three Days Grace, City and Colour, Montreal-based Sky, Billy Talent, Matthew Good, Moist, and many more. McCarty has also worked with renowned international artists such as Timbaland and Michael Jackson.
Among his other achievements are terms as a member of the Board of Directors for SOCAN, the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA), the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA), as well as a founding director of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also been a strong proponent of copyright reform, appearing as an expert witness before the Canadian Parliament and Senate.
Additionally, Irene Zeltway has been appointed Head of Membership, and will report to McCarty. As Head of Membership, Zeltway continues her 21-year career at SOCAN (and its precursor, CAPAC), where she has played a significant role in expanding the organization’s Membership department, most recently as Manager, and then Director, of National Member Operations. Over her 36 years in the Canadian music industry, Zeltway has worked in several roles, including Vice-President and General Manager of Music Manufacturing Services, and General Manager of Power Records Inc.
“Mike McCarty is one of the Canadian music industry’s major players, and SOCAN is honoured to have him on our team,” said CEO Eric Baptiste. “Mike’s extensive experience and passion for the industry, and his deep understanding of and respect for all regional and linguistic contributions to our unique Canadian culture, will be vital additions to SOCAN’s leadership team, bolstering SOCAN’s ability to retain and grow its business as the music industry continues its exciting transition into the digital future. Working in tandem with Irene Zeltway, herself a proven industry leader, SOCAN will continue to expand its role on the national and world stage in serving, protecting and promoting the rights of our more than 115,000 members.”
Both appointments were prompted by the retirement of France Lafleur as Vice President, Membership, who concludes her career with SOCAN after more than 30 years at SOCAN and one of its predecessors, CAPAC, in various positions, including guiding Membership and, before that, SOCAN’s Licensing department, to consistent and substantial success.
About SOCAN
SOCAN is a not-for-profit, member-based organization that represents the Canadian performing rights of more than three-million Canadian and international music creators and publishers. SOCAN is proud to play a leading role in supporting the long-term success of its more than 115,000 Canadian members, and the Canadian music industry overall. SOCAN licenses more than 125,000 businesses in Canada, and distributes royalties to its members and music rights organizations around the world. SOCAN also distributes royalties to its members for the use of their music internationally in collaboration with its peer societies. www.socan.ca
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Media Contact:
Andrew Berthoff
VP Communications & Marketing
Tel: (416) 442-3836
E-mail: berthoffa@socan.ca