SESAC Performing Rights has appointed UK-based music veteran Chris Sheehan as Vice President, International.
Sheehan joins the performing rights organization after more than 25 years working across artist management, publishing, recorded music, and creator advocacy.
He has been a long-term collaborator with SESAC through his role as co-founder of London-based Karousel Music, which operates as a management company, boutique label, publisher, and community interest company.
Through Karousel, Sheehan has worked closely with SESAC on a number of live initiatives, including a London showcase series launched in 2018 in partnership with the Music Managers Forum (MMF).
According to SESAC, the showcase has provided more than 600 performance opportunities for emerging artists, with artists retaining 100% of all the proceeds.
“As a trusted partner of our organization and close friend to John Sweeney, we’re confident he will honor John’s legacy while providing exceptional support to our affiliates in the UK and beyond.”
Sam Kling, SESAC Chief Creative Officer
Sheehan has also curated and hosted a SESAC and Karousel-affiliated showcase at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival, which has run annually for eleven years.
In his new role, he will build on the work of John Sweeney, who represented SESAC in the UK for more than 20 years before his death in June 2025.
Sweeney played a key role in supporting UK-based artists, including Glass Animals, Mumford & Sons, alt-J, Rex Orange County, Disclosure, Thin Lizzy, and others.
Commenting on the appointment, SESAC Chief Creative Officer Sam Kling said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the SESAC family. As a trusted partner of our organization and close friend to John Sweeney, we’re confident he will honor John’s legacy while providing exceptional support to our affiliates in the UK and beyond.”
In addition to his work with Karousel, Sheehan continues to manage UK-based songwriter and artist Ruby Duff. He is also involved in a range of industry networking and professional development events, including “Industry Speed Dating” sessions and Music Biz #QuizWAR!, which is sponsored by Amazon Music.
Earlier in his career, Sheehan worked at UK music charity Help Musicians and served on the organization’s advisory board. He has also held a board position with the International Association of Artists and Rightsholders (IAFAR).
Before moving into executive and advisory roles, Sheehan also spent 17 years as a recording artist and songwriter, releasing five studio albums, working with collaborators such as Matt Deighton and Mark E Brydon.
He later founded 50:50 Studios in 2005, where he worked as an engineer and producer for approximately 15 years.Music Business Worldwide
