CIMA Names New 2026-2029 Board of Directors
One new member, Jeremy Johnson of Birthday Cake Records, joins the slate of returning and incumbent board members guiding Canada's premier independent music trade org.
CIMA board chair Shauna de Cartier of Six Shooter Records
The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) has a new board of directors.
CIMA held its annual general meeting (AGM) virtually on Oct. 29 and announced the results of its 2026 board of directors election.
The meeting brought together CIMA members and industry colleagues from across Canada to reflect on the organization’s work over the past year, look ahead to the priorities shaping the independent music sector, and welcome new leadership to the board.
The meeting began with opening remarks and official business led by CIMA’s board chair, Shauna de Cartier, of Six Shooter Records. “The independent music sector is constantly evolving, and CIMA has an important role to play in making sure our members are equipped to navigate what’s ahead,” she said.
CIMA president and CEO Andrew Cash highlighted the organization’s work over the past year, including its advocacy, programs, and efforts to strengthen the independent music sector, and stressed that 'The Canadian-owned music sector continues to face a rapidly changing landscape both here at home and globally," he said. ''CIMA’s role in connecting members to each other, and building a strong collective voice has never been more important in our domestic and international advocacy work."
Following the election, CIMA welcomed these returning directors to new three-year terms:- David Cox (CLK Creative Works)
- Justin West (Secret City Records)
- Simon Mortimer-Lamb (Nettwerk Music Group Inc.)
- Tim Potocic (Sonic Unyon Records)
They will join the following incumbent directors:
- Amanda Rheaume (Ishkode Records)
- Audrey Sylvestre (Cult Nation)
- Fannie Crepin (House of Supercool)
- Jeff Nedza (Cadence Music Group)
- Kesi Smyth (604 Records)
- Kieran Roy (Arts & Crafts Productions)
- Meagan Davidson (Tiny Kingdom Music)
- Sandy Pandya (Pandyamonium/ArtHaus)
- Shauna de Cartier (Six Shooter Records)
- Susan de Cartier (Starfish Entertainment)
The newly formed board will also appoint two additional directors to one-year terms in the coming weeks.
Last year, CIMA celebrated its 50th anniversary. The national not-for-profit trade association represents more than 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6,000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada.
CIMA's mandate includes advocacy and industry development to international business initiatives and programming designed to support Canada’s independent music community. Its business missions to many major international music industry conferences and festivals are a key part of its work, giving Canadian independent artists showcase opportunities and music companies the means to grow their business outside of Canada..
