LONDON (CelebrityAccess) – Kobalt has promoted Ann Tausis to the position of CEO, Kobalt Neighbouring Rights.
Tausis, who is based out of Kobalt’s London office and previously served as Managing Director at KNR, has led the company’s continued growth and expansion since 2013. Under her watch, KNR has distributed over $250m to its 2,200+ performers and recording rightsholders.
Commenting on Tausis’ promotion, Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, said: “Ann’s commitment to neighbouring rights is second to none. She continues to lead the charge and fight in developing markets to value neighbouring rights and ultimately ensures that performers are paid fairly around the world. She is not only a key business leader at Kobalt but an advocate for the industry.”
Tausis added: “I am very lucky that I can go to work every day and do something that I thoroughly enjoy and wholeheartedly believe in. Having had the trust and support from Willard Ahdritz and the late Hans van Berkel to be able to build Kobalt Neighbouring Rights to the business it is today has been a privilege and I’m very much looking forward to continue on this great journey.”
In November 2018, Tausis co-founded the industry organization IAFAR (Independent Alliance for Artists Rights) to advocate for Neighbouring Rights and work with other agents and collective management organizations (CMOs) to resolve issues affecting the collection of this income stream around the world. IAFAR also aims to educate the wider music industry about Neighbouring Rights and how creators go about collecting earned income.
