REPUBLIC GIVES LIPSON A LIFT

Republic has upped Kevin Lipson to EVP of Global Commerce and Digital Strategy, from which lofty perch he’ll oversee—you guessed it—commerce and streaming for the label’s acts worldwide. EVP/GM Jim Roppo, who made the announcement, had this to say about the 25-year UMG veteran, who’s spent the last seven years at the House of Lipman:

“Under Kevin’s leadership, the Republic Commerce and Digital Strategy ‘Stream Team’ have set the gold standard for the music industry. His creativity, competitive spirit and extensive relationships help our artists achieve the highest levels of success.”

Said Lipson, “I want our artists to feel unconditionally supported as they hopefully affect the world in a positive way. Our roster is extremely diverse, not only in sound and genre, but also in message and in thought. We’re here to amplify that. Monte and Avery and Jim have inspired a will to never give up. They’ve empowered us with the opportunity and belief to compete at the highest level in an environment where we feel fulfilled. It’s really an honor to be a part of Republic’s legacy.”

Lipson, whose former title was EVP of Commerce, Streaming, and Digital Strategy, has held senior management positions at Island, Def Jam, UMe and UMG’s commercial-partnership division in L.A. and New York. He’ll continue to be based in the Big Apple.