MUMBAI: Universal Music Publishing Group has announced the promotion of David Kokakis and Monti Olson.

Kokakis has been appointed as SVP-head of business & legal affairs/business development and Olson as EVP-head of pop & rock music, creative. Both of them will report directly to UMPG president North America Evan Lamberg and will be based in the company's world-wide headquarters in Santa Monica, California.

Robert Allen SVP/head of business and legal Affairs and Tom Sturges EVP/head of Creative will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

In his new role, Kokakis will direct the company's business affairs operations in North America, which includes overseeing all contract negotiations and legal matters concerning new and existing songwriter signings, monitoring all copyright infringement matters, and negotiating new digital media agreements. David Kokakis said, "I am deeply honoured that Evan has entrusted me with this responsibility and look forward to working more closely with the most talented publishing team in the world. I am proud of our achievements thus far and enthusiastic about tackling the challenges we have ahead of us."

Monti Olson will be jointly heading up the company's US creative teams (Los Angeles and New York), along with Ethiopia Habtemariam, EVP/head of urban music. Olson will be overseeing the company's Pop and Rock creative operations. Monti Olson said, "I am humbled by this appointment. I thank Evan for his confidence and belief in me. We have the most talented creative staff in the music publishing business here at UMPG, it is my vision that together we will make UMPG the absolute desired home for authors and composers."

Evan Lamberg said, "David has proven himself not only to be a great business affairs executive and leader, but a great team player who, in his new role, will be able to use his overall skill set to work with all departments within Universal Music Publishing Group.  Monti has proven himself to be an exceptional music publisher with great creative relationships. This leadership role and promotion is well deserved and I know Monti, along with Ethiopia Habtemariam, will continue to lead the Universal Music Publishing creative team on its continued successful path."

Earlier David Kokakis was VP, business affairs/business development, while Monti Olson served as VP-A&R at UMPG.