The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) announces that Stuart Johnston, who has helmed the organization for almost 10 years, will be leaving the organization effective December 31, 2020.
“It’s with a sad heart that we at CIMA say goodbye to Stuart as the organization’s President. For almost a decade, he has been the backbone of CIMA, a strong presence in the Canadian Music Industry, and always remained committed to the staff and organization. We wish him the best on his new path, and hope he leaves knowing his legacy work will remain for us to build on into the future.” says Tim Potocic, Chair of the Board of Directors.
“Stuart has been instrumental in bringing millions of dollars’ worth of funding to the music industry and has tirelessly worked with the Board to build out new programs and evolve the ones that previously existed. He will be missed, ” says Lisa Logutenkow, Past Chair.
CIMA’s Board will immediately begin its search to replace Stuart. CIMA has hired the employment firm Searchlight Partners Group (www.searchlightpartnersgroup.com) to lead this process.
“CIMA is an incredible organization, and I cannot begin to capture 10 years of memories and friendship into one succinct quote,” says Stuart Johnston. “I owe a deep thanks and gratitude to CIMA’s staff and its Board of Directors, both past and present, for all of their support to me and to their dedication to the membership and the industry at large. As I move on to my next gig, I know that CIMA is left in good hands, and will continue to be an influential voice for the music industry.”
During Stuart’s tenure, CIMA has seen the dramatic expansion of its Professional Development and Music Export Canada programs; the creation of MusicOntario and celebratory programs such as Road Gold and the annual Awards Gala; deeper investment in effective and influential research and studies; and a strengthened voice in the corridors of Government – nationally, provincially and internationally. CIMA will continue to build on these strengths, as it continues to strongly advocate for COVID-19 recovery strategies and support for the years beyond.
The Board of Directors wishes to thank Stuart for his years of service and dedication to CIMA and to the broader industry at large and wishes him every success as he moves on to his new professional adventure.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Badoe
matt@cimamusic.ca
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About CIMA
CIMA is a not-for-profit national trade association representing English-language, Canadian-owned and controlled businesses of the domestic, commercial music industry. CIMA represents a diverse membership of small businesses including: record producers, record labels, recording studios, managers, agents, licensors, music video producers and directors, creative content owners, artist-entrepreneurs and other professionals from across the sound recording industry. CIMA represents over 330 Canadian companies and professionals and 6,200 Canadian artists including: A Tribe Called Red, Tanya Tagaq, Serena Ryder, The Trews, Terra Lightfoot, Tegan and Sara, Whitehorse, The Sheepdogs and METRIC.