Tim Bowen Named Chief Operating Officer, Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Tim Bowen Named Chief Operating Officer, Sony BMG Music Entertainment

NEW YORK, March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Tim Bowen has been named Chief Operating Officer, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, it was announced today by Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, to whom he reports. Mr. Bowen will be based in New York.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060319/NYSU001 )

As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Bowen will work closely with Mr. Schmidt- Holtz in overseeing all aspects of the global music company's operations. This will include direct responsibility for Sony BMG's international operations, as well as the company's Global Digital Business, Strategic Marketing, Legacy, Masterworks and Sales Enterprise divisions. Mr. Bowen will also direct the company's expanding Audio-Visual and TV interests on a worldwide basis and have oversight for Human Resources.

"Tim brings to this role a deep understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the music industry," commented Mr. Schmidt-Holtz. "He has extensive experience with both of the companies that came together to form Sony BMG, and the dedication, passion and vision that are necessary to lead the joint venture into the future. He is clearly the right choice for this key post, and it is a true pleasure to announce his appointment."

"I'm delighted to have been given this opportunity," commented Mr. Bowen. "With a dynamic roster of current artists, a catalogue that includes an incredible number of legendary recordings, and impressive capabilities in the areas of marketing, distribution and digital initiatives, we have everything we need to establish Sony BMG as the clear leader in the global marketplace. I look forward to continuing my close working relationship with Rolf, as well as with Managing Directors from around the world and the entire Sony BMG team, as we realize the full potential of the joint venture."

Most recently Mr. Bowen served as Chairman, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, for Sony BMG Music Entertainment International, a post he had held since February of 2004. He joined BMG in 2002 when he was appointed Chief Operating Officer, BMG Europe by Rolf Schmidt-Holtz and carried out a number of international assignments before he was appointed Chairman, BMG UK and Ireland in 2003. In the role of Chairman he oversaw the operations of BMG and Zomba in the UK and Ireland and SYCO, the Company's TV production company with Simon Cowell.

Prior to joining BMG, Mr. Bowen worked for Universal Music International as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Affairs and following the merger of Polygram and Universal Music he became Executive Vice President of Universal Music International. He began his career at Sony Music UK -- then CBS Records -- in Business Affairs. He spent four years in New York as Head of Sony Music Publishing International, and returned to the UK in 1986 as Managing Director, Columbia Records.

About Sony BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

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Source: Sony BMG Music Entertainment

CONTACT: Cory Shields, +1-212-833-4647, or John McKay, +1-212-833-5520,
both for Sony BMG Music Entertainment

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Profile: intent