For several years now, the A&R Team at SOCAN has been one of the first points of contact for members to develop new relationships with us, nurture existing ones, and receive information about our core member benefits. The team has been re-imagined, and consequently re-named “Creative” (effective January 1, 2022), with Kathryn Hamilton now serving as Director, Creative Operations & Programming, and Michael Asante and Houtan Hodania now serving as Creative Executives. Sara Dendane has been promoted to Creative & Partnerships Executive, Quebec.
“We’re constantly evolving, with the changing needs of our members and clients as our primary driver,” said Vanessa Thomas, Vice President, Member & Industry Relations. “A&R is just a part of what the Creative team does. The recruitment element doesn’t encompass all the creative activities they perform. If you look at Global PROs their Creative teams are either ‘Creatives’ or ‘Membership.’”
Kathryn Hamilton will work with Thomas on the overall operational and strategic direction of the Creative Team. Kathryn joined SOCAN in 2016 and has played a vital role, overseeing three SOCAN Awards shows, programming that includes a host of No. 1 SOCAN Song Awards celebrations, and song camps and partnerships across Canada. Michael Asante was promoted to Creative Executive, Rap and R&B, and Houtan Hodania to Creative Executive, Vancouver. Both joined SOCAN in the last three years and have demonstrated incredible and deep network connections. Sara Dendane will expand her role to assist with key Québec partnerships, as she has vast experience in this area.
In addition, we’ve adjusted the titles for SOCAN staff on the Creative team to more accurately reflect their roles, moving forward:
- Maria Escamilla, Creative Programming & Partnerships Co-ordinator
- Gagan Singh, Creative Executive, Film/TV, Visual Media
- Racquel Villagante, Creative Executive, Los Angeles
Stephanie Falco’s Québec Events Manager title remains unchanged.
Thomas is also recruiting for a new vital team member, at the Director level, who will work with Kathryn to manage the Creative team.