New York-based music publishing company peermusic has announced a senior management transition as Ralph Peer II becomes Executive Chair of peermusic, transforming his role within the company that he has led for the past 37 years.
He has appointed Mary Megan Peer, former Deputy CEO, to succeed him as Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective January 2021.
The announcement marks a generational shift for a company that is privately owned and has been led by the Peer family since its inception over 90 years ago.
As Executive Chair, Ralph Peer will retain corporate board responsibilities at the company and continue to provide his expertise.
Mary Megan Peer’s elevation to Chief Executive Officer marks the third generation of Peer family leadership at the company, which was founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1927.
With his passing in 1960, his wife Monique Peer took on the role of peermusic’s CEO and continued to deftly guide the company for the next 20 years. Ralph Peer II took over leadership of the company in the early 1980’s.
Under Ralph Peer II’s leadership, peermusic has developed a global network of music publishing companies operating in 32 countries, with well over a half million titles in the company’s catalog.
During his tenure, peermusic has seen steady business growth, and over the past five years it enjoyed annual increases of 12% in receipts and 10% in NPS.
According to peermusic, These results have been driven by “a very focused global team, robust technology and collection, protocols consistent global chart successes facilitated by the company’s strong creative bent, and prescient strategic investments in emerging, high-growth markets”.
“I’m honored to be named peermusic’s fourth CEO by my father at such a strong time in the company’s history.”
Mary Megan Peer
Mary Megan Peer, said: “I’m honored to be named peermusic’s fourth CEO by my father at such a strong time in the company’s history.
“His principled leadership is reflected in peermusic’s client-centric ethos and the respect our colleagues have for writers and for each other.
“Like many in the company and within the industry, I have learned a great deal from him and am thankful to have the opportunity to continue to do so as he starts the next chapter of his career at peermusic.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the very strong senior management team he has created around the globe.”
“The entire family joins me in wishing Mary Megan and her team continued success in serving our valued artists and composers.”
Ralph Peer II
Ralph Peer II, added: “It’s been a very satisfying challenge to have stewarded peermusic’s heritage repertoire made possible through the genius of my father and the savoir faire of my mother while simultaneously keeping our firm active and successfully engaged with contemporary repertoire and global music publishing policy.
“I feel privileged to engage with global cultures and intellectual property issues on a daily basis. In short, I love my job and relish the intellectual environment it provides.
“Now is the time for the next generation to step into this leadership role. Nothing could make me prouder or more pleased than to announce Mary Megan’s appointment as CEO.
“The entire family joins me in wishing Mary Megan and her team continued success in serving our valued artists and composers.
“As Executive Chair, I look forward to contributing to peermusic’s future for many years to come.”Music Business Worldwide
