PPNZ and RIANZ announce management changes

PPNZ and RIANZ announce management changes

The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) and Phonographic Performances New Zealand (PPNZ) announced today that the management of the two organisations are to be split from March 2008.

Campbell Smith, current CEO of both PPNZ and RIANZ, retains his position as the CEO of RIANZ and a new Managing Director for PPNZ is to be announced in due course.

The move was prompted by Smith’s decision to resign from his current role to spend more time on his artist management business.

RIANZ President and Chairman of PPNZ, Adam Holt says: “The RIANZ and PPNZ boards fully understand Campbell’s intentions but do not want to totally lose his knowledge or the unique style and skill he has brought to the roles.

“After much discussion, I’m absolutely thrilled Campbell has agreed to remain CEO of RIANZ. His contribution to the industry during the past three years has been immense and keeping him involved provides enormous benefits to the entire recording industry.”

In many other territories the management of the national recording industry group and the local collection society are separate.

Holt says “The management split provides us with continuity and enables both executives to focus closely on their respective roles. We want to ensure the new management structures can build on the great progress Campbell has made since becoming CEO of RIANZ and PPNZ in 2004.”

Campbell Smith says: “I am delighted to be staying with RIANZ as CEO. I am excited to be able to continue to develop RIANZ initiatives such as the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, along with attaining such important objectives as ensuring that copyright law provides proper and adequate protection and incentive for our creative community. I am motivated to continue to help guide the industry through what are still challenging but exciting times.”

Smith remains industry spokesperson and retains responsibility for the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards and the inaugural New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is being launched in June 2008 in partnership with the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Smith will also provide consultancy services to the new management team at PPNZ.

ENDS

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