JAN. 12 I MIAC I TRANSITION
MIAC Executive
Director to Step Down

The Music Industries Association of Canada’s (MIAC) board of directors has announced that Al Kowalenko will be stepping down from his position as MIAC executive director, effective Aug. 31. The board also confirmed that Kowalenko will remain in a consultant position to assist MIAC transition to new management.

Kowalenko first began work with MIAC in 1979. Since then, MIAC has grown from a 50-company organization to a national organization of more than 330 manufacturers, distributors and retailers. In addition, the association’s annual Canadian trade show has grown to include a dual show format for MIAC and the Pro Audio & Lighting Show with nearly 200 exhibitors as it enters its 38th year in 2009.

“After due consideration, I believe it is time to make way for a new generation of management to direct the affairs of MIAC for the benefit of the Canadian industry,” Kowalenko said. “Over the years, I have had the great fortune to help guide our association to its stature as a strong national trade organization representing the sixth largest music and sound products market in the world.”

“Thirty years of service to any organization is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Al’s commitment to the success of the industry in Canada,” said Chris Griffiths, the current president and chairman of MIAC. “Anyone who knows Al has no doubt been inspired by his passion for the industry and his ability to grow MIAC’s involvement and support, oftentimes with very limited resources. We, the board, congratulate and thank Al for all his contributions and will continue to lean on him in the coming months and years to guarantee a smooth transition to a new team and as a critical resource to our future endeavours.”

The MIAC board also announced that it will be recognizing Kowalenko’s achievements at the association’s trade show from Aug. 23–24 at the Toronto International Centre.

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