LAMBERG ERA BEGINS AT UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING

The Evan Lambert era has officially gotten underway at Universal Music Publishing Group.

Monti Olson has been upped to EVP and Head of Pop and Rock Music, Creative for the pubbery by the newly named UMPG President. Olson will jointly head up the company's U.S creative teams in L.A. and N.Y. along with EVP and Head of Urban Music Ethiopia Habetermariam.

Olson will be based in L.A. and report directly to Lamberg.

"Monti has proven himself an exceptional music publisher with great creative relationships," said Lamberg. "This leadership role and promotion is well-deserved, and I know Monti, as well as Ethiopia, will continue to lead the Universal Music Publishing creative team on its continued, successful path."

Prior to joining UMPG, Olson was VP A&R at BMG Songs.

In addition, David Kokakis has been named SVP and Head of Business & Legal Affairs, based in L.A. and reporting to Lamberg.

"David has proven himself not only to be a great business affairs executive and leader, but a great team player who, in his new role, will be able to use his overal skill set to work with all departments within the Universal Music Publishing Group," commented Lamberg.

As part of the move, Tom Sturges, EVP and Head of Creative, has left the company to pursue other opportunities, as has Robert Allen, SVP/Head of Business and Legal Affairs.