The board of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers has unanimously decided to appoint Elizabeth Matthews as the new chief executive officer of the New York-based performing rights organisation, replacing former CEO John LoFrumento, who retired on December 31 after 33 years with ASCAP.

The decision, to be announced officially today, is effective immediately. Matthews joined ASCAP in 2013 from Viacom as Executive VP and General Counsel. As such, she “led development of a six-year transformative strategic plan ...