Dave Ayers named Executive Vice President, A&R, Peermusic

19 September 2025 - Press release

Peermusic, the world's largest global independent music publishing and neighbouring rights company with 39 offices in 32 countries, has appointed Dave Ayers to Executive Vice President, A&R as announced today by Mary Megan Peer, CEO, peermusic and Jamie Cerreta, President U.S. and Canada, peermusic. In his role, Ayers will continue building on a legacy of signing and developing the boldest talent of the day, while helping to shape and implement creative strategy for peermusic's roster of artists, songwriters and producers, leading Peermusic's east coast contemporary creative team in New York, reporting to Cerreta. 

Mary Megan Peer commented: "Dave's passion for finding, developing and nurturing talent is legendary. His deep experience, creative vision and commitment to independent publishing make him a perfect fit for our team. I know our current writers and future signings will greatly benefit by working with him."

Jamie Cerreta commented: "I am so pleased to have Dave join us here at peermusic. Dave and I have shared a long history together, and I'm so proud to carry on working with him. Dave is an extraordinary A&R man who brings exceptional taste and a unique ability to build careers time and time again. His deep devotion to his writers makes him a perfect match for what Peermusic stands for and what we want to continue to foster."

Dave Ayers commented: "I'm grateful and excited to be able to do what I do in a place that's set a standard of bravery and excellence for nearly 100 years. It's all about finding and supporting truly special people—singular and tireless and dedicated to creating work that connects and lasts."

Over 40 years as a manager, music publisher and label A&R executive, Ayers has discovered and developed some of the most innovative and important artists of the era. At Twin/Tone and then Capitol Records, then later at Chrysalis, and eventually Big Deal Music Publishing—which he founded with Cerreta and others—Ayers was responsible for bringing in The Jayhawks, Ween, Soul Asylum, Babes in Toyland, the Mekons, Uncle Tupelo (Wilco/Son Volt), Helmet, Sparklehorse, The Jesus Lizard, Robbie Williams, Bon Iver, the Black Keys, TV on the Radio, St. Vincent, The Black Angels, Dr. Dog, Nathaniel Rateliff, Kamasi Washington, Sharon Van Etten, Sylvan Esso, Pussy Riot, Amber Mark, Nick Lowe, Sleater-Kinney, Charles Bradley & Tom Brenneck, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Flight of the Conchords and Pavement. Upon the 2020 sale of Big Deal, Ayers was named Executive Vice President at Hipgnosis Songs, counting Model/Actriz and Cameron Winter/Geese among more recent highlights.