APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston Named Chair Of CISAC

Dean Ormston, the CEO of APRA AMCOS, has been named the Chair of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). Ormston is the second-ever Australian to be elected in the role in the organisation’s 99-year history.

With today’s announcement comes another: Ormston is one of 20 leaders from creative industries and academia worldwide invited to join the Steering Committee of the Attorney-General’s Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Reference Group (CAIRG).

In August 2024, APRA AMCOS launched the landmark report, AI And Music, which explored the benefits and concerns of AI's growing influence among Australian and New Zealand creators. In December, CISAC conducted a global study on the subject and reiterated the international music community’s calls for credit, consent, and fair remuneration.

Ormston isn’t the only one joining the prestigious CISAC Board. Other names gaining leadership roles include Urban Pappi (VG Bild-Kunst) as Vice-Chair, and Jennifer Brown (SOCAN), re-elected for a second term as Vice-Chair.

CISAC is presided over by Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, a renowned songwriter, musician, and producer. The organisation is the world’s leading network of authors’ societies, protecting the rights and interests of creators across the globe. It contains 227 member societies in 116 countries and represents over four million creatives.

Ormston said of his appointment, “Being elected Chair of the CISAC Board at such a pivotal moment for creators worldwide is an honour. As the creative economy enters a new era shaped by AI and global digitalisation, the opportunity to secure a fair and thriving future for creators has never been greater.”

His statement continued, “Creators are central to the cultural, social and economic fabric of every nation. Each country has a responsibility to nurture its own cultural voices by ensuring a strong copyright framework and enabling creators to share in the value generated by innovations such as Generative AI.

“CISAC’s global network is uniquely positioned to amplify the voice of these creators to decision-makers across the world. I look forward to working with the new Board and the entire CISAC community to champion creators’ rights, further develop our services, and empower societies and their members to lead in this rapidly changing global market.”

CISAC Director General Gadi Oron added, “This is a strong and forward-looking Board, bringing together valuable experience, and broad geographic and sectoral diversity.

“I am delighted to welcome Dean Ormston as Chair and to work with him, our Vice-Chairs, and all Board members as we continue our mission to defend the rights of creators and support our member societies. We are focused on delivering results that make a meaningful impact for creators around the world.”