Universal Republic Records Scores Big With New Promotion Lineup

As part of a strategy to strengthen its already acclaimed promotion staff, Universal Republic Records is bolstering its team by promoting several employees and hiring additional executives, announced Monte Lipman, President of Universal Republic Records. The revamped department is already reaping huge rewards, with Universal Republic named the #1 Active Rock label for 2006 by Radio & Records magazine, as it rolls toward numerous multi-genre milestones in the first half of 2007 with breakthrough artists such as Amy Winehouse, Shop Boyz, Mika, and continues its success with multi-platinum rockers Hinder.

“The restructuring of our executive, home and field offices has strengthened our strategic mission and secured even greater opportunities for our artists,” stated Mr. Lipman. “I applaud Joel Klaiman and the entire staff for their exemplary performance throughout this transition, and look forward to future successes with this remarkable team.”

Commented Mr. Klaiman, Senior Vice President of Promotion and Artist Development for Universal Republic: “With our realignment completed, our entire department is focused on garnering maximum exposure for our artists. Each member of our staff will now play a critical role in extending the impact of our great roster at radio, video, and online.”

Key positions in the department include David Nathan, Vice President of Promotion and Sports Marketing, Gary Spangler, Vice President of Crossover Promotion, and Dave Downey Vice President of Rock Promotion. Additionally, two new appointments have been announced: Alisa Applegate, appointed Associate Director of Crossover Promotion, and Risa Matsuki, appointed Director of Triple A Promotion.

The Top 40 department has been realigned, with Mike Nazarro being named Director of Top 40 promotion, based in New York. Howie Pivar has been appointed Director of Top 40, based in Los Angeles, CA. Toby Russell is promoted from Southeast Regional Director/Head of AAA to Director of Top 40, based in Atlanta. Ray Vaughn adds additional Director Top 40 duties to his Southwest Regional Director promotion title.

The regional director staff has also completed its restructuring, including the hiring of additional members. Kathy Marchetti is named Director of Northeast Regional Promotion. Dan Fullick is named Midwest Director of Promotion, based in Chicago. Tim Wallen is appointed Northwest Director of promotion, based in San Francisco. Heather Kitson is named Director of the Mid-Atlantic region. Marilyn Lecointre is named Director of the Southeast Region and will be based in Florida.

The entire promotion department staff reports to Mr. Klaiman.

Among the achievements so far by Universal Republic’s promotion department in 2007: Amy Winehouse has become the singular success story of the year, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone and Spin magazine as her first single “Rehab,” reaches the Top 10 of Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Shop Boyz have become the genre-defying multi-format smash of 2007 with their hit “Party Like A Rockstar,” reaching #1 on the urban, rhythm and rap charts, hitting #2 on the Hot Billboard 100 Singles Chart, climbing into the Top 15 at Top 40, and becoming the fastest RIAA certified selling ringtone to hit one million in sales. Emerging singer/songwriter and myspace sensation Colbie Callat’s first single, “Bubbly,” is the fastest debut single to crack the Top Ten of the Triple A format this year.