Kobalt Promotes Derek Cournoyer to Senior Vice President of Global Digital Operations
In a significant move, Derek Cournoyer has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Digital Business at Kobalt, a leading music publisher. Cournoyer's new role encompasses negotiating strategic partnerships with major global platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Meta, as well as pioneering initiatives in emerging media segments like the creator economy, web3, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Cournoyer's responsibilities at Kobalt also include protecting songwriters while positioning them to generate revenue from new and evolving technologies in the digital music landscape. He contributes to strategic partnerships by forging innovative deals that strengthen Kobalt's relationships with leading digital services and platforms, ensuring smart, fast, and strategic music licensing.
Leveraging one of the industry's most sophisticated metadata infrastructures, Cournoyer helps Kobalt lead rather than just adapt to changes, redefining music publishing possibilities in the digital age. His efforts emphasize the advancement and protection of creators’ interests as the music industry evolves with AI and micro-licensing opportunities.
Cournoyer began his career at Artist Publishing Group before joining Kobalt in 2011, initially working in the sync department. After a period at Smule, he returned to Kobalt in 2019 as Senior Director, Sync & Business Development. Throughout his time at Kobalt, Cournoyer has been instrumental in forging innovative deals, a fact acknowledged by Bob Bruderman, Kobalt's Chief Digital Officer.
"Derek has played a vital role in forging innovative deals with new partners," Bruderman said. "His contributions have been instrumental in positioning Kobalt as a leader in the digital music publishing industry."
Cournoyer expressed gratitude towards Bruderman, Laurent Hubert, and Jeannette Perez for fostering a culture of innovation and trusting him with this expanded role. He is optimistic about the role of AI and micro-licensing in transforming the music industry and is looking forward to pioneering initiatives in these areas.
In his new role, Cournoyer will continue to work on initiatives with emerging technologies to protect songwriters and ensure they earn income. He is proud to be part of a team that is not just adapting to change but leading it in the digital music publishing industry.
In his expanded role at Kobalt, Cournoyer will not only focus on financial aspects of the business but also delve into technology-driven initiatives to safeguard songwriters and potentially increase their income through new and emerging digital platforms. This role extends beyond music publishing to encompass strategic partnerships with key digital players, such as YouTube, TikTok, and Meta, in the realm of finance and technology.
