WALK ON THE RUN AT NEW POST

Charlie Walk "Like a Man" has been upped to Executive Vice President, Creative Marketing and Promotion, for Columbia Records Group by President "Free" Will Botwin.

The move actually took place weeks ago, but this is the offical announcement. Walk will remain based in New York and report to Botwin.

In his newly expanded executive position, which now includes the newly minted title of Creative Marketing, Mr. Walk will broaden the presence of Columbia Records and its
artists in the contemporary marketplace, "implementing new directions in strategic marketing while opening up new avenues in non-traditional marketing areas." He will work closely with Columbia's senior level executive staff in coordination of all levels of strategic planning including licensing, partnering with other corporate agencies and wearing a sandwich board along Madison Avenue while handing out John Mayer fliers.

As head of Promotion, Mr. Walk will continue to supervise and direct all aspects of radio and video promotion, at all formats, for the Columbia Records Group. He will work with senior management and department heads to determine release priorities, create and implement promotion campaigns and personally supervise the installation of sound insulation in Andrew Lack's office.

Said Botwin: "Charlie Walk is ideally suited to take on the 'big picture' responsibilities of Creative Marketing and generate the overall synergy this position requires...as soon as we figure out what that is. As one of the sharpest executives in the business, Charlie combines tireless energy, unerring instincts, and passion for music with a thorough understanding of the
complexities and challenges of the marketplace. Over the years, Charlie has nurtured and maintained strong relationships at radio and video based on mutual trust and respect and has clearly shown the leadership qualities this new position demands. And he can always get reservations at Nobu."

Added Walk: "I'd like to thank Don Ienner, Will Botwin and the Columbia Records Group family for giving me the opportunity to further strengthen the presence of our roster of artists in both the marketplace and the pop culture-at-large. Historically, our non-traditional approach to promotion has allowed our artists to achieve maximum exposure and impact in the marketplace. My goal is to lead our Marketing and Promotion teams in the creation of groundbreaking marketing campaigns. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go hand out free CDs at a Prince concert.""

Mr. Walk began his career in the music industry in 1987 as a college marketing representative for Sony Music Distribution's New England branch.Walk joined Columbia Records in 1990 when he became promotion manager covering the Northeast Region. In April 1994, he was named Associate Director, Pop Promotion, Columbia Records and was promoted to Director, Pop Promotion in October of that year. In January 1995, Mr. Walk was named Senior Director, Pop Promotion. He was made VP Pop Promotion in 1997, and promoted to Sr. VP Pop Promotion a year later. Walk was named Columbia Records Sr. VP Promotion in 1999 and, a year later, was upped to Columbia Records Group Exec. VP Promotion.

Walk graduated from the Boston University School of Management with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1990.