Dave Rocco is joining Team Republic in the newly minted role of Chief Creative Officer, founder/bros Monte Lipman and Avery Lipman have jointly announced. He’ll be based in the label’s NYC office.

We're told that the post will empower Rocco to "bring his creative vision, innovative thinking and strategic expertise to Republic and its world-class roster of artists," so make of that what you will.

Most recently EVP, Creative, at UMG (reporting to topper Sir Lucian Grainge), Rocco previously served at Spotify as Global Head of Artist and Label Partnerships.

"In many ways, Dave is an artist trapped in an executive’s body," noted Monte. "He’s an amazing storyteller with a vivid imagination and an ability to break boundaries and completely rewrite the rules. He brings an inimitable spirit to the table. I am thrilled to have him join our team."

"I have tremendous respect for the Republic team and their world-class acts and couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come,” reads Rocco’s quote. “Monte and Avery’s desire to expand the value of a music company is inspiring, and I’m thrilled to work with them and the new leadership team of Jim Roppo and Wendy Goldstein to facilitate this vision.”

Rocco, who began his career at Z100, also looks forward to continuing to avoid all contact with us.

In a related story, HITS’ Chief Creative Officer, a capuchin monkey named Gordon, has learned how to work the Keurig machine.