Mitch Bainwol is the new Chairman & CEO of RIAA

WASHINGTON DC (RIAA press release) - Mitch Bainwol, former Chief of Staff to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), was named today as Chairman & CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America by the RIAA Board of Directors.

Cary Sherman, President and General Counsel of the RIAA, and member of the search committee said, "Mitch's strong background and experience will be a real asset to the RIAA. We welcome him to the RIAA and look forward to working with him on the important issues facing our industry at this crucial time."

"Mitch brings to the RIAA the consummate insider's understanding of political nuance in Washington," stated Roger Ames, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Group. "I'm confident he has the ability to clearly communicate the issues and challenges the music industry faces and to partner effectively with the computer, consumer electronics and music publishing businesses to help us address those issues in all appropriate forums."

"Mitch Bainwol has the skills, leadership and relationships that this industry needs as we enter an extremely pivotal time," said David Munns, CEO EMI Music North America. "He has proven leadership abilities, having guided some extremely successful legislative and policy initiatives in recent years. He is thoughtful and incisive and we look forward to having him join Cary Sherman and the RIAA team in communicating and reinforcing to the public and to policy makers the value that music has in our society."

"Mitch Bainwol has a strong reputation as an articulate and highly effective leader. His experience in the political arena is extensive and multifaceted, and he enjoys the respect of legislators on both sides of the aisle. Mitch's track record of developing strategic initiatives that get real results makes him the perfect choice to lead the RIAA. I look forward to working closely with him, as well as with Cary Sherman and the entire RIAA staff, on a wide array of issues," said Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President, Sony Music Entertainment.

Stated Mitch Bainwol, "I'm delighted to take on this role. It is an honor to be associated with such a talented and creative group. I am especially pleased to be working in partnership with Cary Sherman, and look forward to tapping into his expertise about the music business. What could be more rewarding than helping to promote two great American traditions: music and property rights?"

Bainwol who currently runs the lobbying firm The Bainwol Group, was previously Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), and before that, chief of staff to U.S. Senator Connie Mack (R-FL) for nine years.