Former Hipgnosis EVP James Cerreta to Lead peermusic US & Canada

Independent music publishing and neighbouring rights company peermusic has tapped former Hipgnosis Executive Vice President James Cerreta as President of its US and Canada operations.

The role:

• Cerreta will be based in Los Angeles, and report directly to CEO Mary Megan Peer.

• He will oversee artist signings and repertoire development across the US and Canada.

• peermusic was founded in 1928 and operates 39 offices across 32 countries, managing more than one million titles.

Backstory:

• Cerreta started his music career in A&R at Mercury, Island Def Jam and Hollywood Records.

• In 2002 he moved into music publishing, working at Chrysalis Music Publishing before becoming Head of West Coast A&R.

• There he signed artists such as Ray LaMontagne, My Morning Jacket, Mastodon, Manchester Orchestra and more.

• In 2012 he became a founding Partner and Co-President of Big Deal Music Group (BDMG).

• As per Music Business Worldwide, BDMG and peermusic signed a sub-publishing deal agreement in 2017 to represent the copyrights controlled by BDMG. The partnership ended when Sony acquired BDMG earlier this year.

• Cerreta was named EVP of Hipgnosis Songs Group in 2012, signing artist/writers such as Blake Mills, Ethan Gruska, Weyes Blood and Beach House, while continuing to work with Ray LaMontagne, My Morning Jacket and Manchester Orchestra.

What they said:

• Mary Megan Peer, CEO of peermusic: “Jamie brings deep indie publishing experience to peermusic, coupled with proven creative and deal-making instincts. His strong relationships with songwriters and producers are built upon his history of supporting their creative development as they grow their careers. I know that peermusic’s US and Canadian writers, as well as new signings, will enjoy Jamie’s support as he drives our companies forward in his new position.”