Following the exit of staunch liberal Hilary Rosen, the RIAA has named Mitch Bainwol, a GOP lobbyist, as its Chairman/CEO. He’ll assume the post on Sept.1.
Bainwol was formerly Chief of Staff to the Senate Majority Leader, Tennessee Republican Bill Frist.
Said Bainwol: “I’m delighted to take on this role. It is an honor to be associated with such a talented and creative group. I am especially pleased to be working with [RIAA President/General Counsel] Cary Sherman and look forward to tapping into his expertise about the music business. What could be more rewarding than helping promote two great American traditions—music and property rights? Other than prosecuting illegal file-sharers, of course.”
Said Sherman: “Mitch’s strong background and experience will be a real asset. We welcome him and look forward to working with him on the important issues facing our industry at this crucial time. And as a Republican, you can bet he’ll be kicking some pinko Kazaa butt.”
Warner Music Group Chairman/CEO Roger Ames, an RIAA board member, praises Bainwol’s “consummate insider’s understanding of political nuance in Washington… I’m confident he has the ability to clearly communicate the issues and challenges the music industry faces and to partner effectively with the computer, consumer-electronics and music-publishing businesses to help us address those issues in all appropriate forums. And he promised to get me invited to the White House.”
Added EMI Music N.A. CEO David Munns: “Bainwol has the skills, leadership and relationships that this industry needs as we enter an extremely pivotal time. He has proven leadership abilities, having guided some extremely successful legislative and policy initiatives in recent years. He is thoughtful and incisive, and we look forward to having him join Cary Sherman and the RIAA team in communicating and reinforcing to the public and to policy makers the value that music has in our society. And I hear he’s a huge Robbie Williams fan.”
Said Sony Music Entertainment Exec. VP Michele Anthony: “Bainwol’s experience in the political arena is extensive and multifaceted, and he enjoys the respect of legislators on both sides of the aisle. His track record of developing strategic initiatives that get real results makes him the perfect choice.”
Bainwol, who heads lobbying firm The Bainwol Group, was Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Prior to that, he was chief of staff to Florida Republican Senator Connie Mack for nine years.
Rosen left the RIAA last month after 17 years with the organization to spend more time with her family. She was named CEO in 1998, replacing current IFPI head Jason Berman.
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