Island Records Press Release - Island Records, whose offerings include Bob Marley and U2, has named Davitt Sigerson Chairman, and John Barbis President of the label, reporting to Mr. Sigerson. Sigerson will report directly to Roger Ames, President of the PolyGram Music Group. Both Sigerson and Barbis will be headquartered in NY.

Commented Mr. Sigerson, "Island has been a part of my life since my teens, when I first made records for Chris Blackwell. I'm inspired by the opportunity to support its artists, honored by the responsibility to protect its legacy, excited by the challenge to contribute to its future, and getting to do this with Johnny makes it a double reunion."

Commented Mr. Barbis, "I had a fantastic year at A&M Associated Labels and cannot thank Al Cafaro and Nick Gatfield enough for their generous support. I must admit, however, it's great to be back home at Island and working with Davitt."

Prior to his appointment at Island, Mr. Sigerson was President & Chief Executive Officer of EMI Records from 1994 to 1997, when the company released and broke r&b innovator D'Angelo, the rapper AZ and the band Blessed Union of Souls, all of whom had gold and platinum records. Under Mr. Sigerson, EMI signed acclaimed singer-songwriter Patti Rothberg, the group Marcy Playground, and Fun Lovin' Criminals, who achieved international success with their debut album. Mr. Sigerson also supervised the pop a&r, marketing and promotion of Selena, the late superstar of Tejano music who crossed over to multi-platinum success. From 1991 until 1994, Mr. Sigerson was President of PolyGram's Polydor imprint. He has also been a record producer (Tori Amos, The Bangles, David & David), journalist, a recording artist (on Island Records) and songwriter (occasionally published by Island Music).

Mr. Barbis was previously President of PolyGram's A&M Associated Labels since January of 1997, where he was responsible for overseeing the sales, marketing and promotion for the Polydor label which achieved breakthrough success in 1997 with Tonic and Rocket Records who is enjoying success with Elton John's latest album The Big Picture. He held the position of President, Island Records between 1993 and 1996. Prior to his role at Island, Mr. Barbis was Executive Vice President of the PolyGram Label Group (PLG). He joined PolyGram in 1991 as Senior Vice President, PLG. He was previously with the marketing and promotion consultant firm B&W Entertainment, where his clients included such artists as Elton John, Van Halen and ZZ Top, as well as RCA Records and Universal Pictures. Mr. Barbis also helped launch the sales and marketing company New Marketing and was a management partner with Nick Wechsler & Associates. Earlier, Mr. Barbis served as head of promotion for Geffen Records, Senior Vice President, Promotion for ABC Records and National Promotion Director Chrysalis Records.

Island Records, which has offices in the U.S. in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles, is home to a diverse group of artists such as U2, the Cranberries, Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Bonham, Dru Hill, The Isley Brothers, Local H, PJ Harvey, Tricky, Pulp and Tripping Daisy. Island also markets and distributes London Records, Mother Records, John Hughes' Supreme Records and Margaritaville Records, home of Jimmy Buffett, and with these recent changes will be reabsorbing Rocket Records.