California State Sen. Kevin Murray is set to join WMA as senior vp, working primarily in the agency's corporate consulting division, William Morris Consulting.
Murray will join the agency Jan. 1 after leaving his senator post in November because of term limits. The move to WMA actually marks a return to the agency for Murray, who began his career in 1982 in its mailroom and later worked as an agent in the music department.
While working in WMA's agent-training program, Murray finished his MBA and law degrees. He left the agency in 1989 to embark on his legal and political careers and has served 12 years in the California Legislature.
"While we will miss his leadership in Sacramento, the California Legislature's loss is our gain," WMA CEO Jim Wiatt said. "Kevin's accomplishments over the last decade have been well-documented, and it is a thrill and an honor to welcome him back into our fold. Kevin brings with him a tremendous array of relationships, professional experience and industry savvy that will broaden our capabilities and deepen our expertise on behalf of our clients."
Murray, a Democrat, first was elected to the Legislature in 1994, representing the 47th Assembly District. After serving two terms, he was elected to the State Senate representing the 26th District in Los Angeles. In the Senate, Murray is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee as well as the Select Committee on the Entertainment Industry.
"Sen. Murray's 12 years of experience in helping to shape the economic and policy agenda for the world's eighth-largest economy will be a tremendous resource for our clients and our company," said Johnny Levin, who along with Paul Bricault oversees William Morris Consulting.
Murray is credited with playing a significant role in crafting the $37 billion infrastructure bond proposal that is before voters as well as recent legislation restructuring the telecommunications and cable industries. He also has authored bills on identity theft, spam, spyware, music piracy, video piracy and recording artists rights.
Kimberly Nordyke writes for The Hollywood Reporter.
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