DOUG MORRIS ON
THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN

Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO Doug Morris has been rewarded for commanding his label troops to its leading marketshare, which has hovered around 30% for most of the year, with a brand-new five-year contract. He had two-and-a-half years left on his old deal. Terms of the new pact were not disclosed, but it's assumed he's getting Mike Mussina money, if not Manny Ramirez bucks.

The deal comes less than a week after the Vivendi-Universal deal was given final approval by shareholders and the necessary regulatory commissions. The announcement was made jointly by Vivendi Universal Vice Chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Chairman/CEO Jean-Marie Messier, who lifted glasses of water and Canadian Club and warbled in two-part harmony a paean penned for the occasion by songwriter Junior Miles.

Said Bronfman: "Doug has been without a doubt the best music executive in the business. From the time he began his music career as a songwriter, Doug's passion for music and spotting new talent is second-to-none. On the business side, he has started one of the industry's most successful start-up record labels ever in Universal Records. He has re-energized Universal Music Group by attracting and recruiting some of the music industry's most talented artists and executives. And he's promised to pitch one of my songs for Brownsville Station to cover."

Added Messier: "We are extremely delighted that Doug has chosen to extend his contract with Universal Music Group. Doug has done an outstanding job in creating the most successful music company in the world. With his proven track record and innate talent for recognizing music trends and artistic talent across many genres, I am confident he will continue to keep Universal Music ahead of the competition...even after we sell the entire company to Alex Rodriguez. We are very fortunate to have Doug on our Vivendi Universal team."

Said Morris: "It has been a privilege to work with Edgar to implement his vision of building the finest music company in the world. I am very excited to be part of the newly created Vivendi Universal. The combined company offers an incredible opportunity to expand our reach to a broader music audience through new aggregation and distribution channels. I look forward to working with Jean-Marie, Edgar and all the talented executives around the world to ensure that Vivendi Universal remains a leader in music. And by the way, if anyone sees Michael Fuchs or Bob Morgado, give them my regards."

With Universal's acquisition of PolyGram in 1998, Morris became directly involved in the restructuring and integration process to create the world's largest record company. In 1999, Morris and Interscope Geffen A&M Co-Chairman Jimmy Iovine established UMG's Jimmy and Doug's Farmclub.com.

Morris originally joined MCA Music Entertainment Group in July 1995 by forming Rising Tide Records, which eventually became Universal Records. He was named Chairman/CEO of UMG in November '95.

The Columbia University grad began his music career as a songwriter and then producer. His credits include penning the Chiffons' '66 hit, "Sweet Talkin' Guy" and producing Brownsville Station's "Smokin' In The Boys Room." He joined Laurie Records in 1965, eventually being named VP/GM for the label. Morris later launchd his own Big Tree Records, which was distributed, then acquired by Atlantic Records in 1978, when Morris was named President of ATCO.

Morris was appointed President of Atlantic Records in 1980, then assumed the post of Co-Chairman/Co-CEO (with Ahmet Ertegun) of the Atlantic Recording Group in 1990. He was upped to President/COO for Warner Music U.S. in 1994 and soon after, was named Chairman before internal struggles in the Music Group led to his departure in 1995. He joined MCA Music Distribution Group (now UMG) shortly afterward.