ASCAP chief executive Elizabeth Matthews has emerged as a leading figure in the Women in Music 2026 list, a recognition that highlights high-achieving women reshaping the global music industry. The list also features 20 Hall of Fame honorees who continue to influence songwriting, publishing, and music rights protection across multiple continents.
Matthews reflects on her early love for live music, recalling a 1983 Prince concert experience in Michigan that shaped her appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that keeps entertainment alive. At the time, she and her teammates helped clean the venue after the show, a moment she now connects to her long-standing commitment to service in the music business.
Since taking leadership of ASCAP in 2015, Matthews has guided the organisation through rapid industry changes. ASCAP now serves over 1.1 million songwriters, composers, and publishers across the United States. The organisation licenses music across radio, streaming platforms, and public performance spaces while collecting and distributing royalties globally.
Under her leadership, ASCAP has strengthened its financial position and expanded its influence. The organisation generated nearly $2 billion in revenue in 2025 and distributed about $1.8 billion in royalties to members. Over the past decade, ASCAP has recorded steady growth, driven by stronger licensing systems and faster payment processing for creators.
Matthews has also prioritised fairness in royalty distribution, especially at a time when digital streaming dominates music consumption. She has consistently pushed for faster tracking systems and improved transparency in how song usage converts into payments for creators.
At the same time, she has taken a strong public stance on artificial intelligence in music creation. As AI-generated music expands, Matthews has warned that unclear copyright rules could threaten songwriter income and industry stability. She continues to advocate for policies that protect human creativity while allowing controlled integration of AI-assisted tools.
ASCAP now sits at the centre of global music policy debates, especially as tech companies explore ways to reduce licensing costs. Meanwhile, Matthews continues to strengthen ASCAP’s partnerships and compliance systems to protect the rights of its members.
Industry peers describe her leadership style as highly analytical and forward-looking. She often prepares for multiple scenarios in advance, especially around cybersecurity, payment systems, and digital disruption. This approach helped ASCAP maintain operations during global crises and technological shifts.
Matthews also continues to push for better data systems across the industry. ASCAP has expanded its collaboration on Songview, a shared music rights database designed to improve transparency across millions of songs worldwide. This development supports faster identification of rights holders and reduces disputes over royalties.
As Women in Music 2026 highlights influential women across the industry, Matthews stands out for combining legal expertise, strategic planning, and technological awareness. Her leadership reflects a broader shift in the music business, where data, policy, and digital innovation now define success.
