MUMBAI: After promoting Elizabeth Matthews as the new CEO a couple of weeks ago, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), has announced the appointment of music industry veteran Brian Roberts as EVP and COO. He will assume the position on 30 March, and will report to Matthews.

As EVP and COO, he will be responsible for the royalty payment system for over 525,000 ASCAP members. He will oversee ASCAP’s worldwide infrastructure including distribution and repertory, information systems, facilities and the Economist’s office.

Commenting on his new role, Roberts said, "ASCAP is an innovative organisation focused on strategic data initiatives that will make a difference to the lives of music creators and licensees worldwide.”

He also added, “I believe that ASCAP is at the center of driving core change in the music industry which will benefit songwriters, composers, music publishers, licensees and music fans alike.”

Commenting on the new appointment, Matthews said, "Brian’s extensive experience in the music sector and his impressive accomplishments in leading innovative infrastructure changes to support new strategic initiatives make him the perfect candidate to run ASCAP’s operations today."

Prior to ASCAP, he served Warner Music Group as EVP of corporate strategy and operations. He worked with WEA Corp. (WMG’s global artist & label services arm) and Information Technology as well. He was with the WMG family as the WMG’s EVP and CFO since 2012 and worked with Warner/Chappell Music as SVP and CFO from 2007. He has also been with BMG Music Publishing, Zomba Music Publishing, EMI Publishing and Ernst & Young.