Toronto, ON – September 26, 2025 – The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and MusiCounts today announced the appointment of new members joining the 2025–2026 Board of Directors. These appointments further strengthen CARAS’s commitment to representing the diverse voices and expertise that drive Canada’s vibrant music industry.
Joining the board for the 2025–2026 term are:
- Ryan Balaski: Senior Vice President of Music, Live Nation Canada; veteran live-music executive overseeing national concert strategy, with past leadership on festivals including FVDED in the Park, Rolling Loud Toronto, and Coast City Country
- Laurie Lee Boutet: Founder, Wednesday Management; manager of The Beaches, Valley, Venbee, Alex Porat, and producer/writer Connor Seidel. Recent highlights include JUNO-winning Blame My Ex (The Beaches), 16-week No.1 alt-radio single “Blame Brett,” and Venbee’s UK Top 3 “Messy in Heaven”; named Billboard Canada’s Manager of the Year in 2025
“We’re thrilled to welcome these two accomplished leaders to the CARAS and MusiCounts Board,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “Their experience across live events, artist development, and global campaigns will help us champion Canada’s diverse music ecosystem and support music education across Canada.”
CARAS and MusiCounts extend their gratitude to all Board members for their ongoing commitment to championing Canadian artists and music education across the country. The organizations also wish to recognize outgoing members Helen Britton, Kristen Burke, Erik Hoffman, Jeffrey Remedios, Alexandra Bellamy, and Miro Oballa, whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the Canadian music community.
The Complete List of the 2025–2026 CARAS and MusiCounts Board of Directors and Officers
- Chair – Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada
- President & CEO/Executive Producer – Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards
- 1st Vice-Chair – Shane Carter, President, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc
- 2nd Vice-Chair – Kate Purchase, Senior Director, International AI Governance, Microsoft
- Secretary – Philippe Archambault, General Manager, Audiogram, Vice President, Music, Quebecor
- Directors:
- Adam Burchill – VP Marketing, MLSE
- Jennifer Dettman – Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC
- Mark Harrison – Founder, The T1 Agency
- Spek – Founder & CEO, PopArabia, ESMAA, EVP International & Emerging Markets, Reservoir
*NEW*
Ryan Balaski – SVP of Music, Live Nation Canada
Laurie Lee Boutet – Founder, Wednesday Management
Official JUNO Awards Website: www.junoawards.ca
Official MusiCounts Website: www.musicounts.ca
Social Media
The JUNO Awards
Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards / X: @TheJUNOAwards / Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards / TikTok: @TheJUNOAwards / Hashtag: #JUNOS
MusiCounts
Instagram: @MusiCounts / Facebook: @MusiCounts / TikTok: @MusiCounts / X: @MusiCounts
About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity, MusiCounts, programs and initiatives; Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs; Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing; and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The 55th annual JUNO Awards Broadcast will take place in Hamilton at TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, 2026. For more information on the JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), please visit www.junoawards.ca.
About MusiCounts
MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts’ vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities. This vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $19,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.
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