LIPMAN'S BATTLE HYMN
TO THE REPUBLIC

Avery "Picture Tells A Story" Lipman has been upped to President of Republic Records by Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO Doug Morris and Universal/Motown Records Group Chairman Mel Lewinter. Lipman, of course, is the brother of leading music industry exec Andy Slater, and was previously Republic/Universal Sr. VP.

Lipman co-founded Republic Records with his other brother, Universal Records President Monte Lipman, in 1994. The label's roster includes such artists as Bloodhound Gang, Godsmack, 3 Doors Down, Chumbawamba, Lil' Troy, Eiffel 65, Oleander, Sonique and Alice Deejay.

Lipman began his music business career at Arista Records, where he worked in the company's Business Affairs department. He was appointed Director of Contract Administration for Sony Music International in 1990, then resigned in 1998 to become General Manager of Republic before being named Sr. VP for Republic/Universal.

Stated Morris: "Avery is among a very small group of people in this industry who are universally well-respected for their leadership, musical abilities and professionalism, and well-liked because of their integrity and great personal warmth. He has done an excellent job of building Republic into a successful label, and the entire Universal family joins me in congratulating him on this career milestone. Of course, I blame him for not being able to get that damn 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)' out of my head for the last nine months."

Added Lipman: "Running Republic has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am very excited about the company's possibilities moving forward. I am especially thankful to Doug and Mel for their confidence and support, but also realize that the success we have seen in the last couple of years could never have been achieved without the dedication and enthusiasm of our great staff and the artistry of our roster. Hey, they don't call me the legendary 12th member of Chumbawamba for nothing."