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"For almost 10 years as the head of UMG's new media arm, Larry has been one of the true industry leaders in helping shape the dynamic and explosive transformation of the music business into the digital age."
—-Zach Horowitz on Kenswil

KENSWIL RISES IN UMG HIERARCHY

Longtime Exec Names EVP Business Strategy
Hats off to Larry.

Lawrence Kenswil is promoted to the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Business Strategy for Universal Music Group by President/COO Zach Horowitz, to whom he'll report. Kenswil formerly headed eLabs, UMG's new media and technologies division.

Kenswil's new duties will include some that build upon his new media expertise, and others that represent an expansion into new areas.

His role now includes supervising UMG's strategy in all aspects of content protection, including developing new partnerships, setting standards and maximizing new technology opportunities; overseeing UMG's anti piracy efforts on a global basis, both in the physical and digital worlds; and helping to coordinate UMG's government relations activities, litigation and business efforts. Kenswil will also help shape UMG's overall business strategy and policies, playing a lead role in negotiating major commercial transactions for the company as well as in industry-wide negotiations that are critical to the music business.

Said Horowitz: "For almost 10 years as the head of UMG's new media arm, Larry has been one of the true industry leaders in helping shape the dynamic and explosive transformation of the music business into the digital age. He is a brilliant visionary and innovator who has helped position UMG at the forefront of the digital revolution and at the cutting edge of new business models and revenue streams. We couldn't be more excited that he will continue to be able to lend his expertise and insights to UMG as we expand his focus and responsibilities to a broader context. He's even setting up a MySpace page for me."

Added Kenswil: "During my tenure at eLabs, UMG has gone through a dramatic transformation, emerging as the industry's leading digital music company. What we've achieved over the years is a testament to the commitment of Universal Music Group to the digital business, to the eLabs staff, which I consider to be the best in the business, and to our world class group of labels and artists. I am grateful to Doug Morris and Zach for their continued support and confidence in me. I look forward to the new responsibilities that will continue to allow me to play a vital role in the evolving digital landscape while also giving me the opportunity for a broader role in helping shape the growth of UMG in the years to come. Now, excuse me while I help Doug answer some of his e-mail."

Kenswil has run eLabs since 1998, a division which he created as the workshop for new business models for record companies in the digital age. Since then he has developed and implemented new digital music distribution and programming initiatives across all emerging technology and convergence platforms, including Internet, mobile, home network, and set top boxes.

Prior to eLabs, he served as EVP Business and Legal Affairs for UMG. Kenswil sits on a number of Boards, including the RIAA. He is active in government affairs on behalf of the music industry, having testified before both Congressional and administrative committees. He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, M.S. from Boston University, a J.D. from Georgetown University and a Ph.D from the School of Hard Knocks.