Copyright Agency has announced that after six years as CEO, Adam Suckling has decided not to renew his contract for a further three-year term.
Suckling will leave the organisation in February next year, ending a very successful period of leadership of the Copyright Agency.
Under Suckling’s leadership, the organisation has recast its strategy, completed a major digital transformation program, and made record payments to members for use of their work.
The agency has also renewed, refreshed or come to new agreements with Australian businesses, governments and educational institutions, enabling them to use a vast amount of content, including supporting the education of millions of Australian students.
Suckling and the management team have also instigated and managed strategic Copyright Tribunal litigation to defend fair payment to publishers, writers and visual artists.
As CEO, Suckling has led the Agency’s advocacy for fair and balanced copyright policy settings to promote investment and protect jobs, fairly remunerate creators, and ensure users can access high-quality Australian content.
Chair of the Copyright Agency board, Dr Kate Harrison, said: “The Board thank Adam for his dedication and commitment to the Agency, and for the strong leadership he has shown over his six years as CEO.
“He has very successfully managed the organisation in every way, enhancing the work of the Agency and its delivery of value to members.”
Suckling, said: “I love this role, copyright and Copyright Agency, are so critical to helping make the big things happen: facilitating access to the world’s content, supporting journalism, helping our talented writers create great novels or inspiring education works, helping publishers invest and employ Australians, and contributing to the practice of Australia’s extraordinary visual artists.
“I would like to thank the senior management team and everyone in the agency for their support, dedication and hard work.
“I would also like to thank licensees, who pay for the use of content, as well as our 37,000 members who create such great material. It is an honour to represent them.
“Finally, I would like to deeply thank our former Chair, Kim Williams, our current Chair, Kate Harrison and all Board members for their valuable governance, support and guidance.”
Copyright Agency will commence a search for a new CEO shortly.
