James Trauzzi works every day to elevate homegrown talent on the world stage.The 39-year-old leads global marketing initiatives and drives international strategy for Universal Music Canada’s roster of Canadian artists, championing acts like pop singer Sofia Camara, indie band Valley and country star Josh Ross, all of whom have had major breakout years. Trauzzi oversees marketing initiatives across classics and jazz and South Asian divisions, while also elevating the legacy of iconic Canadian acts like The Tragically Hip and Anne Murray.

He’s worked across both independent and major label sectors, and has seen a little bit of everything. What excites him about Canadian music is that it can’t be easily pigeonholed.

“What excites me most about the future of Canada’s music industry is our diversity — it’s really what defines us as Canadians,” he says.