Industry News

Raul Vazquez has stepped down as Regional Director of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Latin America, the organization announced April 28.

For ten years, Vazquez represented the Latin American branch of the organization, which represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide.

In a press release, IFPI lauded Vazquez's accomplishments, including the passage of legislation to extend copyright terms, impose penalties on music piracy, and provide tax exemption for music sales in Latin America.

According to the statement, Vazquez's efforts "have led to seizures of hundreds of millions of pirate units and helped the music industry make the transition to a legitimate online market."

"Raul has been a great colleague and he has given tremendous service to the music industry in Latin America," IFPI CEO Frances Moore said in the statement. "He has lobbied hard for our rights with governments and expanded the coverage of performance rights collections with considerable success. We wish him every success in the future."

Vazquez said he was happy to have been able to forge tight relationships with other Latin American organizations that represent performers and songwriters.

"I am very grateful for the support and guidance I have received over the years from my team, colleagues and key executives across the industry," Vazquez said in the release.