Geert De Blaere (BIMA president) renew is participation on the board members Europe of the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), which held its first meeting of the year on January 23, 2025. As a global organization dedicated to supporting the independent music sector, WIN continues its commitment to enhancing the value of recorded music, fostering collaboration among its members, and advocating for fairer market conditions for independent labels and artists.

This year, WIN will focus on expanding its network into new territories and strengthening the presence of independent trade associations in key music markets. Key priorities include ensuring that more value is returned to independent creators, developing a fair and functional licensing framework for artificial intelligence, and promoting transparency and efficiency in rights management by streaming platforms and collecting societies.

BIMA is honored to contribute to WIN’s mission and collaborate with industry leaders to protect and empower the independent music sector on a global scale.

WIN Board Members for 2025

North America

• Gord Dimitrieff (Aporia Records, Canada)
• Jason Peterson (GoDigital Media Group, USA)
• Richard Burgess (A2IM, USA)
• Tony Kiewel (Sub Pop, USA)
• Zena White (Partisan Records, USA)
• Observer: Ian Harrison (Hopeless Records, USA)

Latin America

• Francisca Sandoval (IMICHILE, Chile)
• Felippe Llerena (Nikita Music / ABMI, Brazil)
• Observer: Cecilia Crespo (ASIAr, Argentina)

Europe

• Dario Draštata (Dallas Records, Croatia)
• Gee Davy (AIM, UK)
• Geert De Blaere (N.E.W.S., Belgium)
• Jörg Heidemann (VUT, Germany)
• Mark Kitcatt (Everlasting Records, Spain)
• Observer: Helen Smith (IMPALA, Europe)

Asia

• Marty Ro (Sound Republica / LIAK, South Korea)
• Takuya Yamazaki (IMCJ, Japan)
• Observer: Sridhar Swaminathan (SIMCA, India)

Australasia

• Maria Amato (AIR, Australia)
• Observer: Dylan Pellett (IMNZ, New Zealand)