LONDON, May 10, 2010 – David Boyne has been named UK Managing Director of Bravado, the world’s leading music merchandising company. The appointment was announced today by Tom Bennett, Chief Executive, Bravado, to whom he will report.

Boyne, 43, joins the company from premier clothing brand Ben Sherman, where he has been Managing Director in the UK since 2005. He has 20 years’ experience in the clothing industry’s wholesale and retail sectors, working with such leading names as Timberland, Easy Jeans and French Connection.

Bravado, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, develops and markets high-quality entertainment merchandise to a worldwide audience. Bravado artists include Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Whitney Houston, Green Day, Pink, Led Zeppelin and Rihanna, among others.

In his new post, David Boyne will have direct responsibility for all Bravado’s UK operations. The company enjoyed its most successful year to date in 2009, making significant inroads into the fashion retail arena, with such partners as River Island, New Look, Top Man and Zara. Its business is achieving success with the artists cited above, and such firm UK favourites as David Bowie, Paul Weller, Kasabian, Peter Kay, Stereophonics, Simply Red, and John Barrowman.

David Boyne said, “I am delighted to be joining the biggest music merchandising company in the world. The challenge to take the company forward is one that fills me with tremendous excitement, and I am really looking forward to helping shape the future for Bravado in the UK.”

Tom Bennett commented, “David has 20 years’ experience in the fashion business, a consummate understanding of the lifestyle clothing sector, and first-hand involvement with major global brands. Bravado is experiencing explosive growth, and David will be a key player in the team. He has what it takes to bring Bravado to a whole new level.”

About Bravado

Bravado, the only global, 360° full service merchandise company, develops and markets high-quality licensed merchandise to a world-wide audience. The company works closely with new & established entertainment clients, creating innovative products carefully tailored to each artist or brand. Product is sold on live tours, via selected retail outlets and through web-based stores. Bravado also licenses rights to an extensive network of third party licensees around the world. The company maintains offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo and Sydney. Now under the Universal Music Group umbrella, Bravado is able to leverage a global sales and distribution network from the world’s largest record company, as well as the group’s significant marketing strength. Bravado artists include The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Beyonce, No Doubt, Nickelback, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Guns ‘N Roses, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Green Day and The Killers, among many others.

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