Cindy Charles, Twitch’s Head of Music, Passes Away in Traffic Accident at 69
The streaming world lost a visionary leader with the passing of Cindy Charles, Twitch’s Head of Music. Charles, a veteran of the digital media and music industries, died tragically at the age of 69 in a traffic accident in the Netherlands.
A Champion for Streamers and Music
Charles’ tenure at Twitch was marked by a dedication to empowering streamers and fostering a thriving music scene on the platform. She spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like the recent DJ agreement, a landmark deal securing music licensing rights with all three major labels (Universal, Warner, Sony) and a vast network of independent labels (represented by Merlin). This agreement paved the way for DJs to legally livestream their sets on Twitch, a game-changer for creators and the streaming platform itself.
Beyond Agreements: A Passionate Advocate
Charles’ impact went far beyond licensing deals. She was a passionate advocate for musicians and streamers, particularly women in the industry. Her dedication extended beyond Twitch, with her involvement as an advisor to the Recording Academy’s board of governors and co-founding roles in Women in Digital and the San Francisco chapter of She is the Music. These efforts speak volumes about her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for those pursuing careers in music and digital media.
A Collaborative Leader and Mentor
Tributes from colleagues paint a picture of Charles as a leader who fostered a strong sense of community. Twitch CEO Daniel Clancy highlighted her tenacity when negotiating complex music licensing deals, while always maintaining a positive attitude. Tributes from her colleagues at Twitch further illustrate her leadership style. Kira Karlstrom, Head of Twitch Music Label Relations, described Charles’ dedication to her team, stating that “every moment of working toward our shared mission felt deeply personal… because Cindy made it that way.”
A Life Well Lived
Prior to her six years at Twitch, Charles honed her skills through diverse experiences. She worked as an independent digital media consultant, held the position of Head of Business Development in Amazon’s Music department, and managed digital legal and business affairs for entities within MTV Networks during her seven-year tenure at Viacom. These experiences equipped her with a multifaceted understanding of the music and digital media landscapes, knowledge she applied with great success at Twitch.
A Lasting Impact
Cindy Charles was a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering dedication to empowering music creators and fostering a vibrant music scene on Twitch leaves a lasting legacy. Beyond her achievements, she is remembered by her colleagues as a passionate leader, a caring mentor, and a champion for inclusion in the music and digital media industries.
