Steve Barnett Named Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group

In a move which underscores its commitment to expanding the marketplace for new music, Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, has begun the revitalization of EMI Recorded Music with the appointment of Steve Barnett to Chairman & CEO of its Capitol Music Group. The announcement was made today by Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of UMG, and to whom Mr. Barnett reports.

Based in Los Angeles, CA, at the iconic Capitol Records Tower, Mr. Barnett will be responsible for the overall management of the company which includes Capitol Records, Virgin Records, Blue Note, Astralwerks, Harvest, Capitol Christian Music Group, Caroline and the Capitol Studios.

The Capitol Music Group features such superstar artists as Katy Perry, 30 Seconds To Mars, The Beatles, Norah Jones, Aaron Neville, Alice in Chains, A Fine Frenzy, Ryan Adams, Amos Lee, The Decemberists, Joe Lavano, Rosanne Cash, Anita Baker,Van Morrison, Bob Seger, Beach Boys and Emeli Sande (for the US), among many others.

"As we begin to invest in and revitalize EMI globally, the Capitol Music Group, including Virgin, will play a central role in our creative and commercial initiatives. And there is no one better to spearhead this than Steve," stated Mr. Grainge. "His entrepreneurial approach and intuitive ability to build, strengthen and transform artists into powerful global brands has resulted in remarkable success. I'm confident that under his leadership, a new and reinvigorated Capitol will provide the kind of environment needed for artists to develop, resulting in more opportunity than ever before."

"Throughout my career in music, I've always been keenly aware of EMI's impact on the world's culture, so I could not be more excited and grateful for the opportunity Lucian has given me to build the Capitol Music Group into an exceptional record company," added Mr. Barnett. "I greatly appreciate his confidence in me, and I will work tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive home for great artists while carefully tending the hugely important catalogue that defines the Capitol legacy."

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