Ann Tausis is the CEO of Kollective Neighboring Rights (KNR) – formerly known as Kobalt Neighbouring Rights.
Kollective Neighboring Rights has been owned by Sony Music since the latter company officially acquired Kobalt Neighboring Rights (and had the deal approved by regulators) In March 2022.
Kobalt Neighbouring Rights changed its name to Kollective Niehgbouring Rights in September 2022, and today operates in partnership with Sony Music-owned The Orchard.
Tausis was promoted into the position of CEO at KNR in 2019, and has led KNR’s growth and expansion since summer 2013.
Tausis was named Managing Director of KNR in June 2013. Prior to taking this role, she was Director of European Regional Administration at Universal Music Publishing.
Previously, Tausis was UMPG’s Global Copyright Director from 2005-2012.
Ann Tausis: Promotion to Kobalt Neighbouring Rights CEO
Kobalt announced that Ann Tausis had been named CEO of Kobalt Neighbouring Rights in August 2019.
A press release at the time confirmed that, under Tausis, KNR had distributed over $250m to its 2,200+ performers and recording rightsholders.
Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, commented on Tausis’ promotion: “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.”
Ann Tausis: Formation of IAFAR
In November 2018, Ann Tausis co-founded the industry organization IAFAR (Independent Alliance for Artists Rights).
The body advocates for Neighbouring Rights and work with other agents and collective management organisations (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.Music Business Worldwide