TORONTO, January 27, 2014 – Caroline Rioux, President of the Canadian Musical Re-production Rights Agency Ltd. (CMRRA) today announced the formation of a new top management team for CMRRA which will oversee the management of the Agency’s affairs and direct its strategic development. This team will consist of Ms. Rioux, Lori Ellis, Veronica Syrtash and John Olding.
Lori Ellis B.A. has been promoted to Vice President, Operations. Ms. Ellis joined CMRRA in 1992 and has been a member of CMRRA’s management for many years, more recently in her capacity as Director, Operations. Ms. Ellis will continue to be responsible for the development and administration of CMRRA’s membership services, copyright, licensing and royalty collection and distribution activities. This promotion reflects Ms. Ellis’ success in directing these areas as well as the recent implementation of new information technology systems and processes to support CMRRA’s operations and services.
Veronica Syrtash has been promoted to Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs. Ms. Syrtash joined CMRRA in 1999 as an in-house lawyer. In her new position, Ms. Syrtash will supervise the negotiation, drafting and administration of CMRRA’s licensing agreements, as well as oversee and direct legal research for and advice to CMRRA. She will continue to be involved in Agency matters before the Copyright Board of Canada, and will also represent CMRRA on the Board of Directors of CMRRA-SODRAC Inc. (CSI). Called to the Ontario Bar in 1999, Ms. Syrtash graduated from the University of Western Ontario Law School, and later completed a Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, with a specialization in intellectual property law.
In addition, Ms. Rioux announced that John Olding CPA, CA, has joined CMRRA in the position of Controller. Mr. Olding will succeed Fred Merritt. Mr. Olding comes to CMRRA with more than 25 years of business experience in both the public and private sectors, and with expertise in business development, strategic planning, project management, client services, information technology and human resources. Mr. Olding will be responsible for CMRRA’s financial management and administration and will join Ms. Rioux, Ms. Ellis and Ms. Syrtash to form CMRRA’s top management team.
Founded in 1975, CMRRA is Canada’s largest music licensing agency. On behalf of the majority of music publishers and copyright owners doing business in Canada, CMRRA licenses the reproduction of songs in their repertoires on CD and via Internet distribution.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact Caroline Rioux.
