www.rhino.com

David Ponak has been ensconced in numerous aspects of the music industry since the New Englander relocated to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago. As part of the Warner Bros. Records Business Affairs department, he kept the label's hip hop safe from sampling lawsuits. He then made the move to TOKYOPOP, where he provided A&R direction for the company's Japanese pop and rock releases.

Ponak is currently the Director of Licensing for Rhino Entertainment/Warner Music Group, where he oversees compilation, digital and sample licensing for the entire Warner catalogue.

He also moonlights as a DJ (his shows have been heard on the left of the dial in Los Angeles on KCRW and KPFK, and his show "The Nice Age" can be currently hear on www.luxuriamusic.com), a singer and songwriter for neo-lounge band Mello Cads (a staple in LA clubs and Tokyo concert halls), and he occasionally tries his hand at music criticism.

In his leisure time, Ponak enjoys a dry martinis, Burt Bacharach LP's, and long bicycle rides.