New CEO for RIANZ

20 November, 2004

New CEO for RIANZ

The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) is to get a new chief executive next year.

Long-standing CEO Terence O’Neill-Joyce is retiring from the position although he will continue to be involved in the New Zealand music industry.

In March 2005, Mr O’Neill-Joyce is to be succeeded by music industry lawyer and artist manager Campbell Smith who will also take over the role of managing director of Phonographic Performances New Zealand.

RIANZ president Michael Glading says Mr Smith’s legal training and his knowledge of the industry make him an ideal candidate to lead the local industry body.

“Campbell is very well connected. His experience and legal knowledge will stand the industry in good stead as we face the challenges not only of piracy and copyright issues and the Internet but also local music growth.

“Naturally we are delighted he has accepted the position.”

Mr Smith’s company CRS Management looks after some of New Zealand music’s top acts including award-winning artists Scribe, Brooke Fraser, Bic and Boh Runga, Blindspott and Dimmer.

As a music industry lawyer Mr Smith also represents Hayley Westenra, the D4, Nesian Mystic and Dawn Raid Entertainment among others. He founded CRS Management in 1994 after he ended up de facto managing bands he was providing legal advice to.

Mr Smith sees excellent synergy between his role as a music lawyer and manager and his new position.

“Even though I have an artist-related background and have always worked for artists I see no difference between that and working in the interests of the industry as a whole,” Mr Smith says.

“Fundamentally we’re all on the same side in most of the things we do – whether it be licensing or piracy or copyright issues – our job is to protect and grow all music in New Zealand and the artists who produce it.”

Mr Smith says he is very much looking forward to the role.

“New Zealand music is on a high and it’s an exciting period in our growth with lots of challenges. The immediate future will see some real opportunities in the digital arena for example.

“I know most of the people in the industry through my management work and I have great support from my business partners at CRS. So yes, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mr O’Neill-Joyce says he is happy to be moving on after 13 years as president/chairman and then CEO of RIANZ.

“I must say it’s been a very stimulating period to be involved. It’s great to see the phenomenal growth in Kiwi music over recent years.”

Mr O’Neill-Joyce plans to stay involved with Kiwi music.

“I have Ode, my record label, and I’m also looking forward to re-affirming some practical support for Kiwi music and musicians. I certainly wish Campbell good luck for the years ahead.”

About RIANZ: The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand Inc (RIANZ) is a non-profit organisation representing major and independent record producers, distributors and recording artists throughout New Zealand. RIANZ works to protect the rights and interests of creative people involved in the New Zealand recording industry.

About PPNZ: Phonographic Performances (NZ) Ltd is the recording industry collection company representing music rights owners in New Zealand. PPNZ can grant licences to anyone playing or using recorded music in the public arena. The fees from these licences are then distributed back to the rights owners.

ENDS

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