EMI’S CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP UPS TRINK, KEMPLER

The Chairman/CEO announces the appointment of Lee Trink as President and Jeff Kempler Chief Operating Officer for the label group, which was formed last week from the merger of EMI Music’s Capitol and Virgin Records in the U.S.

Said Flom: “With Capitol Music Group, we are combining a fantastic roster, talented, experienced staff and a willingness to rethink how a label operates. Lee and Jeff are the best executives in the industry for these roles. I have the benefit of first-hand experience with both and know that, as my partners, they will help me realize our vision. Capitol Music Group’s focus will take the label concept back to its essence—as a home where artists can flourish, take chances and develop their best work—but in a new, supercharged way that is right for the digital marketplace. At least that’s what I told Nicoli.”

Trink, Virgin Records EVP/GM since joining the label in January 2006, reports to Flom. He played a critical part in breaking new artists such as Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, whose debut album Don’t You Fake It just went gold. Trink also helped the Grammy-nominated KT Tunstall achieve platinum sales in the U.S., and drove the rejuvenation of 30 Seconds To Mars’ A Beautiful Lie, which is now certified platinum. Prior to joining Virgin, Trink was the GM of Flom’s Lava Records, where he worked closely with the label’s founder.

Said Trink: "Our roster includes some of the world's greatest musical stars as well as today's brightest up-and-coming stars. And we have a smart operation with some of the industry's most experienced and respected professionals. We're in a great position to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of our rapidly evolving business. Jason, Jeff and I are committed to making the Capitol Music Group the preferred home for the best creative and executive talent in the industry. Now, when do I get my Yorkie Bar from Eric?"

Kempler was most recently EVP at Virgin since joining the label in Oct. 2005. He guided Virgin’s business affairs and business development activities, including strategic deals with media properties such as USA Networks, as well as structuring strategic marketing arrangements such as the partnership between Virgin, KT Tunstall and Origins. Prior to Virgin, he was General Counsel and SVP Business & Legal Affairs for Atari and, before that, SVP Business & Legal Affairs for the Island Def Jam Music Group. He also spent 14 years as an entertainment lawyer specializing in music industry matters with Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Loeb & Loeb, LLP.

Added Kempler: ”The newly formed Capitol Music Group is dedicated to delivering on the promise of our incredible roster, to identifying and nurturing exciting new talent and to connecting artists and their fans in the most effective and genuine manner possible. With a strong team led by Jason and Lee, and expertly supported by our many talented EMI colleagues around the world, I could not be more confident in the future. And my bill for this quote is in the mail.”