Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, Joins NMPA Board of Directors
Washington, D.C. – The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) today announced that Lawrence Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, has been appointed to its Board of Directors.
A noted pioneer in the industry, Larry Mestel has over 30 years of experience working at multiple record labels before founding Primary Wave, one of the largest independent music publishing, marketing and talent management companies in the United States.
NMPA Board Chairman Irwin Robinson said, “Larry has always had great vision about where the business is headed and has closely fostered the careers of some of the most talented songwriters in the world. I am thrilled to welcome him to the board and know he will make an immediate impact as we confront so many exciting changes and massive challenges.”
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite added, “I have known and respected Larry for many years and am so excited to have him on our board as we lead the charge for music creators to be properly valued, a mission Larry takes very seriously. He has been a strategic leader in all facets of our industry and was ahead of the curve on many of the biggest trends we’re seeing today. Known for his passion and commitment to creators, his insight and experience will be huge assets to our leadership.”
“I am honored to work with David, Irwin and the rest of the Board members,” added Mr. Mestel. “I have admired David Israelite’s tenacity, intellect and commitment to the artist and publishing community for over a decade. The NMPA is a vital partner for those that create and own songs and I’m looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to its mission.”
Primary Wave has controlled over 15,000 songs from the catalogs of legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Prince, Stevie Nicks, James Brown, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Burt Bacharach, Bing Crosby, Luther Vandross, Olivia Newton-John, Ray Charles, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, America, and Steve Cropper.
Prior to founding Primary Wave Music, Larry Mestel was Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Virgin Records, where he was responsible for all marketing, sales and business-related aspects of the company. During his tenure, he worked with iconic artists including The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri and Lenny Kravitz. From 2000 – 2004, Mestel was Executive Vice President and General Manager at Arista Records, managing sales, international and strategic marketing, A&R and marketing administration, finance and business affairs. While at Arista, he helped develop artists such as Avril Lavigne, Outkast, Usher, Pink, Carlos Santana, Dido among many others. Mestel also held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Island Entertainment Group, which included Island Records, Island Music Publishing and Island Pictures.
About NMPA:
Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing all American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA's mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights. Learn more at nmpa.org.
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