NEW YORK (Sony BMG) - Deirdre McDonald has been named Senior Vice President,
Industry and Government Relations, Sony BMG
Music Entertainment, it was jointly announced today by Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President, Sony BMG
Music Entertainment, and Chief Operating Officer, Sony
Music Label Group US., and Michael Smellie, Chief Operating Officer, Sony BMG
Music Entertainment. Ms. McDonald, who is based in New York, will report to Ms. Anthony with respect to U.S. industry and government affairs issues, and to Mr. Smellie with respect to international industry and government affairs issues.
In her new role, Ms. McDonald will help to plan and implement strategic initiatives in the areas of legislation, regulation and policy on a worldwide basis. She will continue to be involved in the music industry's global anti-piracy initiatives, and to act as a liaison to legislative bodies, governmental agencies and music industry trade organizations, including the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of Phonographic Industries (IFPI).
"Deirdre been an integral part of the music industry's ongoing anti-piracy initiatives, and her drive and passionate approach to her work have earned her the respect of the legislative community, and the admiration of her peers within the music industry," commented Ms. Anthony. "I look forward to working closely with Deirdre as we continue to expand our efforts on behalf of the company and the industry."
"Deirdre's understanding of the music industry and international law make her the right choice for this role," commented Mr. Smellie. "During her tenure with BMG she made major contributions in a wide variety of areas, and I have every confidence that she will continue to be a tremendous asset as we work with local governments in areas around the world on issues affecting our industry."
Most recently Ms. McDonald served as Senior Vice President, Industry and Government Relations, BMG, since 2003. From 1998 to 2003 she was Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, as well as BMG's chief litigation counsel. She began her career at White & Case, where she specialized in commercial litigation and international arbitration.
Ms. McDonald is a board member of the RIAA, as well as of Volunteer Lawyers for The Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, and a Juris Doctor from The New York University School of Law.
