CISAC elects Björn Ulvaeus as new president

CISAC is responsible for annually collecting more than €9.6bn ($10.7bn) of licensing income and royalties for more than 4 million creators worldwide. The organisation represents more than 230 authors' societies in about 120 countries.

Ulvaeus, who co-founded Swedish band ABBA, has written more than 150 hit songs and shows during his music career. Ulvaeus, together with composer and former bandmate Benny Andersson, are considered one of the most successful songwriting duos of all time. Ulvaeus is also a vocal activist for the rights of creators and has a deep understanding of the creative industries and the systems that help authors get fair payment for their works.

During his three-year term at CISAC, Ulvaeus will aim to support the confederation’s work to secure stronger rights, more royalties, better systems and improved conditions for creators across five repertoires, which include music, audiovisual, visual arts, drama and literature.

“I have made a great living as a songwriter and an artist, and I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a lot of success,” he said. “Now, as president of CISAC, I am happy to have a different kind of opportunity to try and help the next generation of creators in their working lives. CISAC has a unique international authority, and I believe passionately in its mission to secure better, fairer terms for creators.

“I am also interested in how the technologies we use can work better, earning creators fairer rewards for their work and more royalties. I am therefore very excited about the opportunities ahead and looking forward to our collaboration”.

CISAC director-general Gadi Oron said: “Björn Ulvaeus has moved us, inspired us and lit up our lives with his songs and creations. I am absolutely thrilled that he has decided to take on the role of CISAC president, to support us in our mission to serve creators internationally.

“Björn has an extraordinary track record: As a creator himself, as a champion for creators’ rights, and as an expert in the systems which ensure creators are fairly paid. These qualities will be invaluable to CISAC’s work and we look forward immensely to collaborating with him”.

Ulvaeus was elected president by CISAC’s general assembly, which took place during a virtual meeting today. He succeeds French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, who was CISAC president for seven years.