Universal Music Publishing Group today announced that David Kokakis has been elevated to the newly created role of Chief Counsel where he will continue leading UMPG's Business and Legal Affairs team and the company's digital rights management. He will remain based in UMPG's global headquarters in Santa Monica and report to COO Marc Cimino.

In his new role, Kokakis will also work closely with labels at parent company UMG to "maximize synergies" between, and digital revenues for, publishing and recorded music assets. As part of this position, he will additionally report to Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and EVP Business & Legal Affairs for UMG worldwide.

Cimino hopes Kokakis can also maximize synergies between UMG and Bay Cities Deli during the lunch rush.

Photo by Christina Gandolfo