The President of Canada’s ole, Michael McCarty, is leaving the growing independent music rights company to become Chief Membership & Business Development Officer of SOCAN.
In his newly-created position, McCarty is tasked with helping ensure that SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) extends its connections with global music rights organizations.
He will be responsible for leading 40 full- time employees, Meanwhile, Irene Zeltway has been promoted from Director, National Member Operations, to Head of Membership.
McCarty (pictured) has more than 25 years’ experience in the music industry, including 18 as President of EMI Music Publishing Canada. 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.
He has also been 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.
Irene Zeltway 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.
“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.”
Due to the departure of McCarty, who held a seat on the SOCAN Board of Directors as a publisher member residing in the East, the Board — in accordance with SOCAN’s By-laws — has appointed Neville Quinlan, Managing Director of Peermusic Canada, to fill the publisher director vacancy on the Board.
The 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 the organization and one of its predecessors, CAPAC, in various positions,Music Business Worldwide
