BMI names Michael O’Neill CEO

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BMI has named Michael O’Neill new CEO, effective 9/16. O’Neill succeeds BMI’s current President and CEO Del Bryant who announced he was retiring after nearly 42 years with the company. O’Neill will assume the title of President upon Bryant’s retirement in June 2014 and also become a member of the Board.


O’Neill has served BMI for nearly 20 years, most recently as Senior Vice President Repertoire & Licensing, where he oversaw all aspects of BMI’s writer, composer and publisher relations, domestic licensing and revenue generation including radio, television, cable, satellite and the General Licensing division, and managed royalty distributions and administrative services groups.

BMI Board of Directors Chair Susan Davenport Austin said, “Michael has a thorough understanding of the needs of our songwriters, our publishers and of our licensees who utilize the BMI repertoire. I have no doubt that he is the right person to take the helm at BMI as BMI enters its 75th year.”

Bryant added, “Whether listening to a cut or cutting a deal, Mike brings an A+ game comprised of affability, experience, innovation, and the desire to do what’s right for all our constituents. I have always believed in him so it was no surprise that a world-wide search confirmed his talents. I am so happy for him, his family, and for BMI. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity over the next year on behalf of the company I love.”

O’Neill has served BMI for nearly 20 years, most recently as Senior Vice President Repertoire & Licensing, where he oversaw all aspects of BMI’s writer, composer and publisher relations, domestic licensing and revenue generation including radio, television, cable, satellite and the General Licensing division, and managed royalty distributions and administrative services groups.

O’Neill said, “I am honored that the BMI Board of Directors chose me to follow in the footsteps of two truly iconic CEOs who have led BMI for the past 28 years – Frances Preston and Del Bryant. I am also thrilled that I will have the ability to rely on Del’s counsel over the coming year as he is an exceptional executive, leader, role model and friend.”