Last year the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA) Board of Directors was pleased to announce the hiring of Robert Hutton as the Executive Director of the organization. Robert Hutton has wide-ranging and extensive experience in the marketing and telecom industries, and comprehensive knowledge of government relations. A classically trained musician, he has also developed strategies and policies on social media, Internet privacy and cyber-crime for various clients. Robert’s recruitment coincides with the development of a new strategic plan for CMPA that addresses current and emerging challenges.
“The industry is in a crucial transition phase,” says Hutton, “and I’m thrilled to be working with the Board to create and implement a new business plan that will address these challenges over the next two years. We’ve already begun to roll out new efforts in five distinct channels: advocacy, leadership, professional and skills development, market development, and promotion. We’ve set out very clear objectives for each channel, and developed specific activities to support each one.”
Priorities for 2015
On January 12, 2015, Jodie Ferneyhough, President of the CMPA Board of Directors officially approved the International Business Strategy (IBS) 2015-2017. Within this strategy the CMPA has identified and outlined a cluster of five interconnected Strategic Priorities, which are intended to develop a strong, dynamic music publishing industry.
“We’re living in an environment of rapid and constant change in music publishing,” says CMPA President Jodie Ferneyhough, who heads up CCS Rights Management in Toronto. “Digital technologies have been a great boon to the business, but at the same time, they present challenges to songwriters and publishers that we wouldn’t have dreamed of just a few years ago. There has never been such a clear need for a strong advocate for the industry as a whole.”
These strategic priorities are:
- Advocacy – CMPA’s vision is to make Canada the best environment in the world for music publishers and their songwriting partners. In order to achieve this goal, advocacy will continue to be a primary focus of the organization. Their goal is to protect and advance the interests of Canadian music publishers and songwriters in order to increase the overall visibility and promotion of Canadian music and artists.
- Leadership – Realizing that the Canadian music publishing industry is influenced and impacted by events in the global market and via developments in digital technology, it is important that CMPA take on a leadership role in the industry in order to protect and enhance the international profile and entrepreneurial activities of Canadian music publishers.
- Professional and Skills Development – In order to ensure a lively and dynamic music publishing industry, music publishers must have the professional skills and knowledge to flourish in an ever-changing industry that is driven by digital technology and is global in scope. CMPA has identified professional and skills development as a key strategic priority.
- Market Development – Market Development is the heart of CMPA. Representing Canada’s most talented and successful music publishers and songwriters, CMPA is the centre of this creative community and industry. Members are seeking support in developing their businesses and songwriters into world-class acts. Canada has proven that our talent ranks among the best in the world and it is important that our entrepreneurs are given the tools and opportunities needed to take centre stage.
- Promotion – CMPA will continue to promote its mandate and services to the Canadian music industry, as well as promoting the work of its members in the domestic and global music publishing and songwriting arena.
What is the CMPA?
The Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA) has supported and promoted Canadian music publishers since 1949. Current membership consists of 60 music publishing companies from across the country representing both official languages. CMPA has provided focus and determination to serve and support its members and strengthen the Canadian music publishing industry.
Interested in Becoming a Member?
The CMPA is always looking for new members; if you are interested or have any questions please feel free to contact: Robert Hutton at the following address:
The Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA)
320 – 56 Wellesley Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 2S3
Phone: 416-926-7952 /Email: [email protected]
