Klein to leave Reprise Records (2241)

Out executive Howie Klein will be leaving his post as president of Reprise Records on June 30 in order to become a consultant to Warner Bros. Records Inc. There will be no change to the Reprise artist roster or staff, which will continue to operate under the Warner Bros. Records umbrella. In announcing the change of jobs, Klein said, "I've always felt strongly that after enjoying the success I've had, it's important to make way for the talented younger executives our business nurtures. It's a really exciting time right now in the music industry, and I look forward to watching how the new technologies will develop and help it grow." Klein has worked in the business as a promoter, journalist, radio host, and general manager at an independent label. A staunch supporter of artists' rights and free speech throughout his career, Klein has received both the Spirit of Liberty Award from the People for the American Way Foundation in 1999 as well as the Fairness Award from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in 2000.