CIMA is pleased to announce the following Board of Directors nominees for the 2026-2029 term.

Incumbency and committee participation within the last three years will be noted for each candidate. Nominees were asked to provide a short mission statement answering: “Why do you wish to sit on CIMA’s Board of Directors?”.

Voting will take place prior to our Annual General Meeting which will be held virtually on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2 PM (ET). 

REGISTER HERE

CIMA voting level members (Class A, B & C) are eligible to vote.

Ballots have been sent directly to the main contact email address of all voting class members; if your company hasn’t received your ballot OR you would like the ballot to be sent to a different staff member, please contact the Administrative Coordinator, Siddhant Shah (sid@cimamusic.ca).

Justin West
(Incumbent)
President and CEO – Secret City Records
Committee Participation: Executive Committee

I have been part of CIMA’s board for more than a decade, including its executive committee for most of those years. With that comes a deep understanding of the operation, including institutional knowledge of CIMA’s journey, the people that make it all possible, and its existing strengths and challenges. Whether it’s consolidation, artificial intelligence, or otherwise, I’m passionate about ensuring a level playing field for all independents and am fiercely dedicated to the protection and development of the global independent music eco-system. I would bring that passion, energy, dedication, and attitude to the CIMA board and organization at large.


Jesse Northey
Executive Director – Victory Pool Records
Committee Participation: Membership Affairs Committee

I am passionate about joining the CIMA Board of Directors, bringing over 15 years in the music industry, independently and through roles at Six Shooter Records and Alberta Music. Across Canada, I’ve worked as a live sound technician, music producer, musician/composer, grant writer, administrator, label representative, artist manager, and consultant. This breadth has given me both the professional expertise to understand what it takes to succeed in this business, and the humility and empathy to advocate for working musicians and the local service economy that supports them. I’m eager to dedicate myself further to supporting independent musicians and music companies.


Simon Mortimer-Lamb
(Incumbent)
President and COO – Nettwerk Music Group Inc.
Committee Participation: Government Affairs Committee, Executive Committee

I’m seeking another term on CIMA’s Board because, despite the disruption reshaping our industry, I believe the independent sector remains uniquely positioned to seize the opportunities that come with change. CIMA plays an important role as a strong voice for independents on issues ranging from AI’s impact on rights and artist choice to shifts in global trade and ongoing pressure on cultural funding. My experience at a Canadian company with a global footprint has reinforced the view that building globally competitive Canadian artists and organizations is fundamental to our success, and I’d like to continue supporting CIMA’s work toward that goal.


Renan Yildizdogan
Founder – Gypsy Soul Records

As a 15-year member of CIMA, I am seeking election to CIMA’s Board to bring the perspective of an independent Canadian music entrepreneur operating at the intersection of artist development, recorded music, management, and international live business. Gypsy Soul has built an uncommon model for a Canadian label, directly booking, promoting, and coordinating touring in the UK, U.S., and Europe from Canada rather than relying solely on foreign agents or intermediaries. This has given me practical insight into export strategy, international taxation, customs, ticketing, touring economics, and market development. I would bring that entrepreneurial, globally focused perspective to CIMA’s advocacy and help strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, and international reach of Canada’s independent music sector.


Tara Shannon
President – Willow Sound Records

I wish to serve on CIMA’s Board because I believe deeply in the strength, sustainability and potential of Canada’s independent music sector. As President of Willow Sound Records, I bring the perspective of an entrepreneur, artist, advocate and industry builder who understands both the creative and business realities facing independent companies and creators. I am passionate about building stronger pathways for artist development, entrepreneurship and sustainable careers, while ensuring independent voices remain influential as our industry evolves through turbulent times. I would bring practical leadership experience, a collaborative approach and a commitment to helping CIMA strengthen Canada’s independent music ecosystem at home and internationally.


Andrew Turner
Founder and CEO – Enlightened Management

I want to serve on CIMA’s Board to help foster a stronger, more competitive Canadian independent music community. Through building Enlightened Management, I’ve seen both the opportunities and challenges facing independent artists, managers, producers and entrepreneurs as they work to build sustainable careers at home and internationally. I’d like to bring that practical, entrepreneurial perspective to CIMA, while helping advocate for stronger industry infrastructure, greater collaboration, and policies and programs that allow Canadian-owned music companies and the artists they support to compete and grow on a global scale.


Jeremy Johnson
Artist Manager – Birthday Cake Records

As an Artist Manager working across genres, with a focus on Country, roots, and Americana, I’ve worked across domestic and global markets including the United States, UK, Europe, and Australia. I currently serve on the Board of the Canadian Country Music Association and work with Birthday Cake Records, a strong independent music company. Both my career and the roster of artists I represent have experienced the direct impact of CIMA’s export initiatives and programming, creating opportunities, new revenue streams and expanding global markets. I bring practical experience in artist and market development, a collaborative approach, hands on skills and global relationships that can contribute to and strengthen CIMA’s impact and continued growth.


Michelle Esdaille
CEO – The Hook & Company
Committee Participation: Equity Committee, Membership Affairs Committee

Over the past two years as an Associate Board Member with CIMA, I’ve had the opportunity to better understand the organization’s work, contribute to industry conversations, and see firsthand the importance of strong advocacy and representation for Canada’s independent music sector. I’m interested in moving into an official Board role because I believe I can bring meaningful perspective, experience and value to that work. Through The HOOK & Company, my work spans sync licensing, artist and creator development, music industry education, business development and creating pathways to opportunity for independent and underrepresented creators. These areas align closely with CIMA’s focus on strengthening Canada’s independent music sector and supporting the businesses and people working within it. I see an opportunity to bring the perspective of an independent music business owner who works across multiple parts of the ecosystem, while continuing to learn from and contribute alongside the other leaders at CIMA. After two years of involvement, I have a stronger understanding of where my experience can be useful, and I’m ready to take on a greater level of responsibility and contribute more actively to the organization’s governance, advocacy and continued growth.


David Click Cox
(Incumbent)
President – CLK Creative Works
Committee Participation: Equity Committee, Executive Committee

I wish to continue serving on CIMA’s Board because I remain passionate about strengthening Canada’s independent music community and ensuring that Black and other underrepresented voices are meaningfully represented in the conversations shaping our industry. With over 30 years in music, I bring experience across A&R, artist management, consulting, education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Today, my consulting work keeps me directly connected to artists, companies and organizations across the Black music community and the broader independent sector. I want to continue bringing that perspective, experience, and commitment to CIMA while helping to build a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable Canadian music industry.


Tim Potocic
(Incumbent)
Owner – Sonic Unyon Records
Committee Participation: Executive Committee, Finance and Audit Committee

I have spent many years on the board of CIMA as chair and a board member. I feel it is an essential organization for the CDN industry and I feel it is my duty to the industry to participate in shaping the future of the Canadian industry through my role as a director of CIMA.


Elise Milani
Director of Operations and Marketing – BLK Matter

I want to join CIMA’s Board because I care about creating more opportunities for Canadian music executives to build meaningful careers and businesses here, without feeling like they need to leave Canada to grow. Canada has built strong systems around developing and exporting Canadian artists, and I’d like to see more of that same support focused on the people and companies behind them. As we continue building BLK Matter’s infrastructure in Canada around a global artist business, I’d love to bring that perspective to CIMA’s advocacy work and push for stronger support for Canadian executives and independent music businesses.