BMG has promoted Keith Hauprich to the role of general counsel and SVP, business and legal affairs, North America.
Previously deputy general counsel at BMG, Hauprich played a key role in several significant deals across film and television music publishing, securing the music publishing rights to the likes of AMC Networks, Activision/Blizzard Studios, Hasbro Studios and, most recently, Netflix.
He was also pivotal in BMG’s legal victory against internet service provider Cox Communications on the basis of contributory copyright infringement, securing a $25M jury verdict and more than $8.5M in costs and disbursements.
In his new role he will be based in New York and will report directly to BMG’s US president, repertoire and marketing, Zach Katz.
“This is an incredibly well-deserved promotion for someone who has been a key driver of our US business over a prolonged period,” said Katz. “In a company whose core values include fairness and transparency, the role of general counsel has a particular resonance at BMG, helping drive revenue, fighting in the corner of artists and songwriters against external threats like piracy and ensuring that we treat our clients in as equitable a way as possible. I am delighted Keith has agreed to take on this role.”
Hauprich formerly worked as general counsel for Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, prior to BMG’s acquisition in April 2010. Before that he was an associate at a New York City law firm where he worked closely with a diverse range of entertainment-industry based clients including songwriters, producers, managers, and platinum-selling recording artists.
