RIAA elects a new board of directors

The RIAA has elected a new board of directors that will serve their posts until 2022. Many labels are represented on the board, which is the latest development in a continuing shift to the trade organization’s leadership. Mitch Glazier was officially instated as the RIAA’s chairman and CEO, and Michele Ballantyne was named as its COO in January. Both execs are among the new board members.

“As we advocate for a music ecosystem that respects artists and fans, we are fortunate to have talented leaders on our board from a variety of labels representing a broad spectrum of genres and geographies,” Glazier said. “These executives will ensure RIAA is at the forefront as the industry continues to innovate and protect the music that inspires us all, keeping the dream alive for the next generation of music creators.”

Along with the RIAA execs, the new board members are Alisa Coleman of ABKCO Music & Records, Victor Gonzalez of Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Camille Hackney of Atlantic Records, Rani Hancock of Sire Records, Sheldra Khahaifa of Sony Music Entertainment, Annie Lee of Interscope Geffen A&M, and Gabriela Martinez of Warner Music Latin.

The RIAA’s latest report was its analysis of the U.S. music market’s first six months of 2018. In that report, streaming accounted for 75% of industry revenue. The new board will likely be making decisions with the knowledge that streaming has grown in listener importance and in industry value over recent years.

Anna Washenko