TORONTO, Canada (Sony BMG) - Lisa Zbitnew, President, Sony BMG
Music Canada, today announced the executive team that will help lead the company's Canadian operations.
'Our executive team comprises a truly talented group of committed and experienced professionals,' said Ms. Zbitnew. 'I have every confidence in their ability to guide Sony BMG to becoming the best record company in Canada.'
Neil Foster has been named to the newly-created position of General Manager. Over the last 11 years, Mr. Foster has held a range of label operating and corporate positions including Executive Vice President, RCA Music Group. Over the last year, working closely with both BMG and Sony executives, he has played an important role in the formation of the Sony BMG joint venture.
Shane Carter has been named Vice President of Marketing. In his new role, Mr. Carter will focus on marketing international repertoire with a team that will pull together all strategies for artist marketing including Promotion and Publicity. Mr. Carter, a 19-year veteran of the entertainment business, joined BMG in 1999 after 6 years as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PolyGram Home Video.
Dave Toomey has been appointed to the new role of Vice President, Domestic Marketing and International Exploitation. Mr. Toomey joined Sony Canada in 2002 following five years with Sony in New York. His department will have a dedicated marketing staff and will collaborate closely with the people in Marketing, in addition to having a direct relationship with A&R on creative development.
Vito Luprano will continue to head up A&R in Quebec as Senior Vice President, Quebec A&R. Mr. Luprano has demonstrated his skill in managing this vital part of the business since joining Sony in 1980. As Executive Producer, Vito has been instrumental in the development and international exploitation of superstar Celine Dion, Garou, Mario Pelchat and other French artists.
Steve Simon is Vice President Sales. His team will be responsible for all the traditional aspects of Sales (key account management, retail selling and marketing), Customer Marketing (product-driven strategies implemented through key accounts), Commercial Exploitation (catalogue, alternative channels, partnership marketing and Sony Wonder) and Digital Sales. Mr. Simon is also responsible for Production and Order Management. He joined BMG in 1997, having previously had a 12-year career in packaged goods that included executive positions in Sales and Marketing at Campbell Soup and Hostess/Frito Lay.
Vic Macina continues in his role as Senior Vice President, Operations, Sony DADC. Mr. Macina will continue to be responsible for overseeing all areas of Manufacturing and Distribution Operations including Production Scheduling, Graphics Printing, Manufacturing, Engineering & Maintenance, Distribution, Facilities and Security as well as managing the transition to a vendor-client relationship with Sony DADC.
Sonia Watkins heads up the Human Resources function as Director, HR. She will lead a dedicated team of HR professionals in providing HR support and strategy to Sony BMG. Ms. Watkins joined Sony in 1998 and prior to that held HR roles at Dell Canada and ITW. She will continue to play a leadership role in planning for the integration of Sony and BMG.
Norman Miller is Vice President, Digital Business, IS&T and Marketing Services (new release scheduling, catalogue and B2B administration, print and premium design and production and AV studio). Mr. Miller's Digital Business responsibilities include business development and digital marketing, in collaboration with his fellow executives in Legal and Business Affairs, Sales and Marketing.
Christine (CJ) Prudham is Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs. Ms. Prudham's team will be responsible for all legal and licensing matters. She joined BMG in 1999. Prior to that, she was external counsel for BMG Music and BMG Direct while a partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP in the Information Technology and Competition Law groups.
Liew Wong is Vice President, Finance and Administration. She leads a team that is responsible for Financial Planning and Analysis, Royalties and Copyright Administration, Credit and Collections, Inventory Control and Accounting. Ms. Wong earned her CA designation with Price Waterhouse.
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 Music Entertainment is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.
