WILL EMI SAY HELLO, LARRY?

Buzzers are buzzing about Arista Records Executive Vice President/General Manager Larry Mestel being courted by EMI Recorded Music honchos Alain Levy and David Munns for a high-ranking post within North America—maybe even the top job of President/COO.

Mestel was named to his current position by label President/CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid back in July, 2000. He is responsible for Business Affairs, International, Finance, Production, Special Markets, Administration, Sales (Non-Creative) and the West Coast operation.

He came to Arista from Chris Blackwell’s Palm Entertainment, where he was COO and served on the company’s Board of Directors. Prior to that, he was COO of Island Entertainment Group. He has also served on the Boards of Island Records, Island Pictures, Launch Media and Long Distance International.

Word is the situation is now on the desk of BMG topper Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, who is not inclined to let Mestel go. The exec is being repped in the negotiations by veteran Atlanta barrister Joel Katz.