Mitch Glazier has formally taken office as Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) – the trade body representing the US recorded music industry.
The previously-announced succession arrives alongside the promotion of Michele Ballantyne to be the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.
Said Glazier: “Music matters. It shapes our culture. It inspires generations young and young at heart. It makes us who we are and binds diverse communities together.
“I am honored to lead the RIAA during these exciting times as we fight for a music ecosystem that works for everybody.”
Mitch Glazier, RIAA (pictured)
“I am honored to lead the RIAA during these exciting times as we fight for a music ecosystem that works for everybody – from artists and fans to labels and publishers and songwriters and music services alike. That will require that we both embrace digital music innovations, and protect what has always made music great – keeping the dream alive for the next generation of artists and music creators,”
As a senior House Judiciary Committee staffer, Glazier helped pass US legislation that paved the way for the streaming economy, including helping author the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act to assure that music creators are compensated for use of their music by digital partners.
At the RIAA, Glazier recently helped build the cross-industry lobbying coalition that mobilized to enact the Music Modernization Act (MMA).
Michelle Ballantyne (pictured inset) has worked in senior US government positions, as a former Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton, Special Counsel to then-White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, and as General Counsel for Senator Tom Daschle.
She has played an instrumental role in advocating for congressional reforms including the MMA, the PRO-IP Act (that established the nation’s first Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator in the Executive Office of the President), and the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 that provided colleges and universities with tools to reduce the illegal downloading of copyrighted works on campuses.
“I’m excited to be part of this new leadership team at such an incredibly dynamic and important time.”
Michelle Ballantyne, RIAA
Glazier added: “Michele has been a champion for music – a steady hand known for her knowledge of government, her sound judgment, unmatched policy chops, and unflappable determination to develop winning public policy campaigns.
“Simply put, there is no one better suited to help lead the RIAA and no one I would rather have at my side than Michele. Together, we look forward to working with RIAA’s member companies, the music community, our creative industry allies, and fans everywhere.”
Said Ballantyne: “I’m excited to be part of this new leadership team at such an incredibly dynamic and important time. By staying true to music and its creators even as we embrace change, we can help the men and women of the music industry achieve great things. I look forward to advocating on behalf of our great community.”Music Business Worldwide
