The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has elected its Board of Directors, with Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, named as Chair.
Ormston has served as CEO of APRA AMCOS since 2018. APRA AMCOS is Australia and New Zealand’s music rights management organisation, representing over 124,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.
Commenting on his appointment, Ormston said: “Being elected Chair of the CISAC Board at such a pivotal moment for creators worldwide is an honour. As the creative economy enters a new era shaped by AI and global digitalisation, the opportunity to secure a fair and thriving future for creators has never been greater.”
“Creators are central to the cultural, social and economic fabric of every nation. Each country has a responsibility to nurture its own cultural voices by ensuring a strong copyright framework and enabling creators to share in the value generated by innovations such as Generative AI.”
“I look forward to working with the new Board and the entire CISAC community to champion creators’ rights.”
Dean Ormston, CISAC
Added Ormston: “CISAC’s global network is uniquely positioned to amplify the voice of these creators to decision-makers across the world. I look forward to working with the new Board and the entire CISAC community to champion creators’ rights, further develop our services, and empower societies and their members to lead in this rapidly changing global market.”
Joining Ormston in the Board’s leadership are Urban Pappi, Director General of German visual arts society VG Bild-Kunst, elected as Vice-Chair for the first time, and Jennifer Brown, CEO of Canada’s SOCAN, re-elected for a second term as Vice-Chair.
In addition, it was announced at CISAC’s General Assembly that three new societies are joining the CISAC Board: KODA (Denmark), SGAE (Spain) and DACS (UK).
CISAC Director General Gadi Oron welcomed the Board appointments: “This is a strong and forward-looking Board, bringing together valuable experience, and broad geographic and sectoral diversity.
“I am delighted to welcome Dean Ormston as Chair and to work with him, our Vice-Chairs, and all Board members as we continue our mission to defend the rights of creators and support our member societies. We are focused on delivering results that make a meaningful impact for creators around the world.”
Dean Ormston succeeds Marcelo Castello Branco, CEO of Brazilian society UBC, who completed six years of service as Board Chair.
Reflecting on his tenure, Castello Branco said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow Board members and the entire community I have had the privilege to engage with over these years. I am optimistic about the future of the collective management landscape.”
“We must never forget that it is the creators who are our top priority. They are the fundamental reason for our existence and our ability to thrive in the future.”
“We must never forget that it is the creators who are our top priority. They are the fundamental reason for our existence and our ability to thrive in the future.”
MARCELO CASTELLO BRANCO, FORMER CHAIR OF CISAC
Paying tribute to Marcelo Castello Branco’s tenure at the General Assembly, Gadi Oron said: “Marcelo is one of those people who definitely makes things happen.
“Quietly, diplomatically, and always in a humble way and with a friendly approach, Marcelo can move mountains, build bridges and bring people together. I owe Marcelo a special thanks and gratitude.”
The appointments come during a busy lobbying period for CISAC, as use of Generative AI in the music industry rapidly accelerates.
Last month, CISAC President and Abba co-founder Björn Ulvaeus spent two days meeting with UK officials, urging them to safeguard creators’ rights, as the UK Government runs a high-profile public consultation on AI and copyright.
On May 20, Ulvaeus led a high-profile delegation of music industry creators to Brussels, similarly calling on the EU to safeguard creators’ rights.
Much of CISAC’s recent research output has focused on the impact of Gen AI on the music industry. In December 2024, CISAC published a research report which predicted that Generative AI could ‘cannibalize’ 24% of music creators’ revenue.Music Business Worldwide
