Zack Werner has had an extensive career in the music industry as an artist, producer, entertainment lawyer and manager. But he is best known for his role as one of the judges on the hit TV show Canadian Idol. Due to his cutting remarks he is often compared to American Idol's Simon Cowell.

He is also president of Toronto-based Venus Management and Venus Records (distributed by EMI), where he spends his time finding and developing new talent across Canada.

Career

After receiving a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from the University of British Columbia, Werner moved to Toronto and joined local rock band The Ringing. The band, managed by Gary Pring managed to secure a development deal with Capitol Records.

Later, Werner moved to Los Angeles and formed the group Thick As Thieves. The group negotiated a distribution deal through BMG. When the band broke up Werner returned to Toronto and signed a development deal with MCA as a solo-artist and worked with producer John Punter .

Putting his legal training to use, Werner practiced entertainment law with the firm of Sanderson,Taylor - the pre-eminent entertainment law firm in Canada, counting among their clients such as Sum 41, Avril Lavigne and Nelly Furtado.

Werner is currently busy with the launch his new PR company, Smoke and Mirrors Promotions.

External link

• Official Site of Canadian Idol