Discover the 21 members of the WIN board for 2026 — a year that also marks the 20th anniversary of the organization bringing together the global independent music community.

The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has announced the renewal of its board of directors for 2026. This year’s board combines continuity and new perspectives, with representatives from 15 countries across five regions. Europe holds a particularly strong position, including Belgium’s Geert De Blaere (BIMA/N.E.W.S.).

New Chair and Vice Chairs

WIN has elected Mark Kitcatt, CEO of Everlasting Records (Spain), as the new chair of the board. With more than four decades of experience in the independent sector, Kitcatt has contributed to the development of numerous artists and held leadership roles across the European independent ecosystem.

A new development this year is the introduction of two vice chair positions, which will be fulfilled by:

• Marty Ro (Sound Republica, South Korea)
• Cecilia Crespo (ASIAr, Argentina)

These roles aim to strengthen regional representation as WIN continues to expand into new territories.

New Board Members and Acknowledgements

WIN welcomes three new members to the 2026 board:

• David Barnes (Rhymesayers Entertainment, USA) — Director
• Mark Meyer (Random Sounds, Paraguay) — Observer
• Sarah Kesselman (Neon Gold Records, USA) — Observer

Warm thanks were extended to Zena White (Partisan Records, USA) for her six years of service and her impactful three‑year term as chair. WIN also acknowledged Richard Burgess (A2IM, USA), who stepped down from A2IM leadership and from the WIN board after ten years of service.

WIN’s Mission and 20th Anniversary

As WIN celebrates its 20th anniversary, the organization reaffirms its mission: supporting its members in advocating for fair market access and practices, and facilitating cross‑border collaboration to ensure that independent music companies have a global voice in an increasingly consolidated industry.

Founded in 2006, WIN has grown into a key coordination and support body for the independent sector, representing organizations across 43 territories.

Structure of the WIN Board

The WIN board is renewed annually and consists of representatives from independent music companies and trade associations across five blocs: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia.

North America

David Barnes (USA), Gord Dimitrieff (Canada), Ian Harrison (USA), Jason Peterson (USA), Tony Kiewel (USA). Observer: Sarah Kesselman (USA)

Latin America

Cecilia Crespo (Argentina), Francisca Sandoval (Chile). Observers: Felippe Llerena (Brazil), Mark Meyer (Paraguay)

Europe

Dario Draštata (Croatia), Gee Davy (UK), Geert De Blaere (Belgium), Jörg Heidemann (Germany), Mark Kitcatt (Spain). Observer: Helen Smith (Europe)

Asia

Marty Ro (South Korea), Takuya Yamazaki (Japan). Observer: Sridhar Swaminathan (India)

Australasia

Maria Amato (Australia). Observer: Dylan Pellett (New Zealand)