14 May 2007

CAL Chief Executive resigns

Copyright Agency Limited ( CAL ) Chairman Brian Johns today announced that after a remarkable commitment of 21 years, Michael Fraser has resigned as Chief Executive.

Michael is leaving CAL to establish his own consultancy in the field of copyright and rights management.

“The history and achievement of CAL is inextricably linked with Michael Fraser, as it was his efforts that re-established CAL in 1986; and as Chief Executive he has steered its many successes to the company it is today, one that has paid over $500million in copyright fees to our members: authors, artists and publishers,” Brian Johns said.

This year CAL is paying members over $130million. Under Michael's leadership, CAL has enjoyed strong double digit growth in revenue every year for 21 years. CAL 's expenses are set at about 15% of revenue and are among the lowest of any equivalent rights management company in the world.

Throughout, CAL has kept in step with the rapid pace of development of Australia 's information sector and the publishing industry.

CAL is acknowledged as a leading and highly efficient rights management organisation internationally, with Michael currently serving as the Vice President of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisation.

Michael has played a significant role in copyright law reform in Australia and overseas and has managed major copyright test cases which have established important precedents.

Michael has also negotiated watershed agreements of mutual benefit with CAL 's clients in the public and private sectors. CAL is also known as an innovator in e-commerce, with new projects for access to content such as “SmartEditions” now providing online access to learning materials.

Michael says: “I thank the Board of Directors and all my colleagues at CAL . I have been honoured to serve as CAL 's Chief Executive to support writing, publishing and learning in Australia . Ultimately CAL 's work has fostered freedom of individual expression, the flow of information and high quality education.”

“On behalf of the Board and all of CAL we thank Michael for his long and successful service to CAL and wish him well in his future endeavours,” Brian Johns said.

Media contact:

Renee Williams
Public Affairs
Tel: 02 9394 7600

Acting role announced: Jim Alexander

[news releases ] [what's new] [home]