RICHARDS FALLS THROUGH VU NET

The man who helped pioneer music portal MP3.com is ready for new challenges.

Robin Richards is leaving his post as Vivendi Universal Net USA Chief Executive Officer to manage Bob Pittman’s portfolio.

No, not really. He will be doing the traditional "pursuing other opportunities," and by the way, has anyone seen Michael Robertson lately?

Richards was founding President of MP3.com and lead negotiator with Vivendi Universal Deputy COO Philippe Germond in selling the company to VU for 1,987,765 bottles of distilled water and a Jerry Lewis cultural medal of honor presented by the French government. Shortly after the acquisition, Richards was named CEO of the newly formed VUNet USA, which included all music, game, education and technology initiatives at the company.

Germond gave Richards credit for building one of the "highest profile" Internet companies in the world. "He has successfully integrated our web assets under a common technical infrastructure and brought in a single management team to squeeze out cost redundancies. I look forward to staying the course and building value for VUNet USA in the coming years. We will miss his leadership and friendship and wish him only the best."

Added Richards: "I am proud of my team at VUNet USA. We reduced yearly expenses by more than one hundred million dollars. This team is capable and dedicated to serving the various Vivendi Universal content and web properties, thus ensuring Vivendi Universal is properly positioned to play a major role in the digital distribution of content worldwide. And if you believe that, I have some MP3.com stock that would make lovely wallpaper."