UNIVERSAL STORES CHESNUT

Veteran record exec Lee Chesnut "Roasting On an Open Fire" has been named Vice President A&R for Universal Records by label President "Three Card" Monte Lipman.

Chesnut will be responsible for discovering and developing new talent for the company and working with the label’s existing roster. Based in Universal’s N.Y.C. headquarters, he will report directly to Lipman. One of his first signings is 23-year-old vocalist Becky Baeling, who just completed her first single with award-winning, multi-Platinum producer Anders "Bag" Bagge.

Commented Lipman: "Lee is truly among one of the most gifted rising executives in this business. From the time when he first brought Chumbawamba to my brother Avery and I at Republic, Lee’s success has been marked by innovation, great personal warmth, a unique ability to work with everyone and an almost obsequious personality. He has proven himself to be a resource for developing talent, and someone who intrinsically understands the creative process and is particularly sensitive to the needs of artists. We are all delighted to welcome him to the Universal family…and as far as I know, he’s not going to be the next head of VH1."

Added Chesnut: "Not only is it a thrill to be joining such a young and dynamic label as Universal, but I get to work again with two of the most respected executives in the business—Don and Jimmy Ienner… I look forward to hitting the ground running."

Prior to joining Universal, Chesnut served as Epic Records VP A&R, VH1 VP Music Programming and several stints at radio, including PD for Atlanta’s award-winning Top 40 WSTR (Star 94).