News

One of the RIAA’s greatest ambassadors and one of my most valued colleagues will be leaving the RIAA. Neil Turkewitz, our famed Executive Vice President, International, is departing after 29 years of exemplary service to the labels we represent and the entire music community.

Neil and I have worked together for almost two decades and I can honestly say he has truly left his mark on the music world. His talent, intelligence and passion are well-known, not just here in DC, but at embassies and record company offices around the world. It’s worth remembering how many major international initiatives Neil spearheaded on behalf of RIAA – from TRIPS, to the WIPO Internet Treaties, to the various free trade agreements concluded over the past 15 years.

More than ever, we are a global business, and artists and labels have stronger intellectual property safeguards in countless countries throughout the world thanks in large measure to Neil’s tireless work. He is admired and respected not only for his encyclopedic knowledge of international copyright law, but also for his humanity and warmth. I know many of our music community colleagues have deeply appreciated his trusted confidence and wisdom, and knew him to be an honest and forthright ambassador for our organization.

To say he will be missed is quite an understatement, and I know that I speak for everyone when I say that we wish him the greatest success and happiness in whatever comes next for him and his family.

Cary Sherman
Chairman and CEO
RIAA