Rio D. Caraeff serves as Executive Vice President of Universal Music Group’s (UMG) eLabs, the division responsible for handling the company’s electronic commerce initiatives, Internet exploitation, and new technology business opportunities worldwide.  Mr. Caraeff is responsible for leading the implementation of the company’s digital strategy, working closely with all of UMG’s subsidiary labels and divisions, and exploring, developing and maximizing all of the new digital opportunities and business models emerging in the marketplace.

Previously, Mr. Caraeff served as General Manager of Universal Music Mobile (UMM), the division he launched in 2005. Under his leadership, the company sold over 300 million mobile music units and its business expanded more than 200%. UMM also became the first company to launch the direct-to-consumer mobile sales business "GetMusic," which enables every UMG label and artist to sell music directly to fans mobile phones via Web and WAP channels including the "30303" SMS shortcode; while pioneering "Made For Mobile" releases, including innovative "native wireless audio/video programming" from artists including Eminem, Snoop Dogg and The Pussycat Dolls, among many others. UMM also scored a number of firsts, including becoming the first company to have a mastertone hit double platinum (Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’” now quadruple platinum) and the first music company to have two different mastertones hit platinum level sales before the release of the physical album (Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’” and Jibbs’ “Chain Hang Low").

Prior to joining UMG, Mr. Caraeff’s extensive background included working in new technologies in virtually all areas of entertainment including film, television, music and games.  He served as Vice President, Wireless Services for Sony Pictures Digital, where he established and operated the worldwide mobile entertainment publishing & licensing division of Sony Pictures Entertainment.  And before that, Mr. Caraeff was Vice President of Business Development and Investments at Sony 550 Digital Media Ventures, having begun his tenure at the company as Senior Director, New Technology Business Development.

In between his stints at Sony, Mr. Caraeff served as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Fabric, a consultancy firm whose client roster included Sony and Miller Brewing Company.  His 13+ years in the industry also include positions at Capitol Records Group, Propaganda Films/PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Generator Digital Post, and Crunch Media Group.

Mr. Caraeff was featured in Hollywood Reporter’s “Next Generation,” as one of the top 35 executives under 35 in Hollywood.