Eric Baptiste

Eric Baptiste became the CEO of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors & Music Publishers of Canada), leading the organization to an increase in its membership base and the number of licensed music-using organizations. Previously, he served as the Director General of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) from 1999, where he was instrumental in developing digital solutions for the use of creators' works. CISAC, under his leadership, became a significant force representing 2.5 million creators and publishers across 115 countries.

Before his tenure at SOCAN and CISAC, Baptiste accumulated over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, focusing on broadcast media and cultural policy. He held prominent positions including CEO of Radio 95.2 Paris from 1996 to 1998, and Director General of Radio France International from 1990 to 1995. He also contributed as Chairman of the trade association Vive la Radio from 1994 to 1998 and led a working group on radio and music sector relations at the French Ministry of Culture from 2001 to 2002.

Baptiste's academic background includes degrees from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and the Ècole Nationale d’Administration. Recognized for his contributions to the arts, he was honored as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 2006. Currently, he holds several prestigious positions including non-executive Chairperson of CISAC, vice-chair of Fast Track, vice-chair of the Canadian Private Copying Collective, and chairperson of the International ISAN Agency (ISAN-IA). Fluent in both English and French, Baptiste is frequently engaged in international travel.