Peermusic has appointed Erik Brataas to the dual role of Managing Director Norway/Head of Northern European Administration.
Brataas, who will be based out of peermusic’s offices in Norway and will report to the company’s President of Europe, Nigel Elderton, brings more than 30 years of experience in the Norwegian music market focused on licensing, digital distribution, technology-driven innovation, publishing, and collective rights management.
Over his career, he has scaled companies in Norway and across the Nordics, and established operations in the UK and the US.
Credit: Melody Rae
“Erik’s knowledge of the local market and deep understanding of digital rights will create value for our writers in Norway and around the world.”
MARY MEGAN PEER
In 2018, Brataas co-founded publishing firm Arctic Rights Management, which was acquired by peermusic in 2023 to grow its market presence in Norway.
Peermusic CEO Mary Megan Peer said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Erik back to the family at peermusic Norway. His experience as a founder of Arctic Rights (the foundation of peermusic Norway) gives him deep knowledge of our roster and the Norwegian publishing sector. Erik’s knowledge of the local market and deep understanding of digital rights will create value for our writers in Norway and around the world.”
“Having co-founded Arctic Rights Management, this next chapter feels like a natural continuation.”
ERIK BRATAAS
Brataas, who replaces Kerstin Mangert as peermusic Norway MD, previously served as CEO of Polaris Hub – Nordics, a joint venture created by the Nordic collection societies Koda (DK), Teosto (FIN) and Tono (NO).
Since joining the hub in 2022, Brataas has negotiated Nordic agreements with Apple, Spotify, TikTok, Meta (Facebook & Instagram) and Google, among others.
Brataas also served stints as Managing Director, FONO, the Norwegian trade association for independent labels in Norway, and as CEO of Phonofile (Nordics/UK/US) from 1999 through 2017.
“I’m very excited to step into this role at peermusic,” he said.
“Having co-founded Arctic Rights Management, this next chapter feels like a natural continuation. I look forward to working closely with our teams and continuing to support a diverse and outstanding roster of songwriters across all genres, as part of a company with a truly historic and influential legacy in music publishing.”
“I know that our writers will benefit from the level of executive talent that he brings to this new role.”
NIGEL ELDERTON
The executive also co-founded music rights investment firm, Indie Music Rights in 2021; and was the co-founder of independent label TBC Records.
In addition, he has served on numerous industry Boards and committees, including: Merlin, Music Norway, Council for Cultural and Creative Industry Policy, Gramo and Norwaco.
Nigel Elderton commented: “Erik is well known in the Norwegian music industry for his work in creating sustainable value creation for rightsholders at the intersection of technology, rights, and music culture. We are delighted that Erik has joined peermusic and I know that our writers will benefit from the level of executive talent that he brings to this new role.”
Brataas’ appointment comes in the wake of peermusic promoting Paul Smelt to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer earlier this month.
The company also recently appointed veteran A&R executive Alex Black as its new Vice President, A&R in the US, and named Dave Ayers as Executive Vice President, A&R, last September.Music Business Worldwide
