Ann Tausis promoted to CEO of Kobalt Neighbouring Rights

Kobalt has promoted Ann Tausis to the position of CEO, Kobalt Neighbouring Rights.

Based in Kobalt’s London office, Tausis has led KNR’s continued growth and expansion since 2013.

Under her watch, KNR has distributed over $250m to its 2,200+ performers and recording rightsholders.

Today, KNR says that it represents 70% of the UK’s most played artists in 2018 (a stat based on this PPL broadcast radio data).

Tausis steps up from her prior role of Managing Director at KNR.

In November 2018, Tausis co-founded the industry organisation IAFAR (Independent Alliance for Artists Rights) to advocate for Neighbouring Rights and work with other agents and collective management organisations (CMOs) to resolve the many issues affecting the collection of this income stream around the world. IAFAR also aims to educate the wider music industry about Neighbouring Rights and how creators go about collecting earned income.

“Ann’s commitment to neighbouring rights is second to none.”

Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt

Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, commented on Tausis’ promotion: “Ann’s commitment to neighbouring rights is second to none. She continues to lead the charge and fight in developing markets to value neighbouring rights and ultimately ensures that performers are paid fairly around the world. She is not only a key business leader at Kobalt but an advocate for the industry.”

Tausis added: “I am very lucky that I can go to work every day and do something that I thoroughly enjoy and wholeheartedly believe in. Having had the trust and support from Willard Ahdritz and the late Hans van Berkel to be able to build Kobalt Neighbouring Rights to the business it is today has been a privilege and I’m very much looking forward to continue on this great journey.”Music Business Worldwide