Ralph Peer II Elected Chair of NMPA Board, Golnar Khosrowshahi Named Vice Chair

What's Happening?

Ralph Peer II, executive chair of peermusic, has been elected as the chair of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) board of directors. Peer, who has served on the NMPA board for 54 years, succeeds Irwin Z. Robinson, who retired from the position last year. Peer has been a pivotal figure in the music publishing industry, leading peermusic, a family-owned company founded in 1928, which now operates 39 offices in 32 countries and manages over a million titles. His leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including the NMPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Music Publishers’ Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Golnar Khosrowshahi, founder and CEO of Reservoir, has been elected as the vice chair of the NMPA board. Khosrowshahi has been influential in the music catalog market and became the first woman to lead a publicly traded independent music company in the U.S. when Reservoir went public in 2021.

Why It's Important?

The election of Ralph Peer II as chair and Golnar Khosrowshahi as vice chair of the NMPA board marks a significant leadership transition in the music publishing industry. Peer’s extensive experience and longstanding influence in the industry are expected to guide the NMPA in navigating the evolving landscape of music rights and publishing. Khosrowshahi’s appointment as vice chair highlights the growing importance of independent music publishers and the role of women in leadership positions within the industry. These changes could impact how music rights are managed and monetized, potentially affecting songwriters, artists, and publishers across the U.S. music industry.

What's Next?

With Ralph Peer II and Golnar Khosrowshahi at the helm, the NMPA is likely to focus on adapting to digital transformations and addressing challenges related to music rights management. The board may prioritize initiatives that support songwriters and publishers in maximizing their revenue streams in the digital age. Stakeholders in the music industry, including artists and record labels, will be watching closely to see how these leadership changes influence policy and advocacy efforts within the NMPA.

Beyond the Headlines

The leadership changes at the NMPA could have broader implications for the music publishing industry, including potential shifts in how music rights are negotiated and enforced globally. As the industry continues to grapple with issues such as streaming royalties and copyright protection, the strategic direction set by Peer and Khosrowshahi could influence international standards and practices in music publishing.