The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has elevated Michele Ballantyne to President.
Ballantyne will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer overseeing daily operations while leading the 56-member team, the RIAA said Monday (April 1).
Prior to joining the RIAA in 2004, Ballantyne has worked in senior US government positions including as a former Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton, Special Counsel to then-White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, and as General Counsel for Senator Tom Daschle.
At the RIAA, Ballantyne has worked closely with Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, leading daily operations and representing the association at policy and industry events. She promoted legislative initiatives to celebrate artists’ biggest moments, support creators and protect their rights.
Ballantyne was appointed COO in 2019.
Under her leadership, the RIAA also embraced the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the creative sector. She has addressed the implications of AI-generated content at industry events, including at the ‘AI Generated Content and the Music Industry’ panel discussion at Music Biz.
RIAA, as a founding member of the Human Artistry Campaign, continues to lead on the AI issue. The association also supports Tennessee’s landmark ELVIS Act, and drives federal protections such as the No AI FRAUD Act and NO FAKES Act proposal.
“As a music fan who’s also had a front-row seat to the Washington policymaking, I’m grateful to spend my days connecting these communities – helping them understand and work with each other,” said Ballantyne.
“This expanded role leading RIAA alongside Mitch [Glazier] will allow us to continue fighting for a diverse industry that innovates, creates and thrives.”
Michele Ballantyne, RIAA
“This expanded role leading RIAA alongside Mitch [Glazier] will allow us to continue fighting for a diverse industry that innovates, creates and thrives. Music has always had the power to shift perspectives and drive culture forward. I look forward to what our label partners and talented artists dream up next – and we will be here to champion it!”
Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO of the RIAA, added: “Michele and I have had the privilege of guiding RIAA and supporting our member companies through amazing celebrations and challenges in the industry. I am grateful for her remarkable leadership and genuine care for people. Our playlists may not always be in sync, but our determination for a thriving and equitable community for music creators is.”
“Michele and I have had the privilege of guiding RIAA and supporting our member companies through amazing celebrations and challenges in the industry.”
Mitch Glazier, RIAA
A respected voice on diversity and representation in the music industry, Ballantyne has been recognized as a 2021 Billboard Change Agent for her contributions to racial justice and equity.
This year, she has been recognized as a 2024 Billboard Women in Music Honoree.
Ballantyne also serves on the Anti-Defamation League’s Washington, D.C. Region Advisory Board in addition to her longstanding work on the advisory board of the Ron Brown Scholars, a program that supports low-income African-American high school seniors through scholarships, mentoring, leadership and service opportunities.
Music Business Worldwide