NEW YORK (SONY BMG) - Jeff Walker has been named Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Sony
Music Label Group, U.S., it was jointly announced today by Michele Anthony, Chief Operating Officer, Sony
Music Label Group, U.S. and Ron Wilcox, Executive Vice President and Chief Business and Legal Affairs Officer, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. Mr. Walker is based in New York, and jointly reports to Ms. Anthony and Mr. Wilcox.
In his new role Mr. Walker will oversee the Business and Legal Affairs department for Sony Music Label Group, U.S., which includes Columbia Records Group, Epic Records, and Sony Music Nashville. He will supervise the department's staff, negotiate and structure artist negotiations, and oversee a wide variety of other business matters relating to the Group and its constituent labels.
"This is the second time I have been fortunate enough to announce a key role for Jeff in Sony Music's business affairs sphere," commented Ron Wilcox. "One of the unforeseen benefits of the merger has been to bring him back into the fold! With his first-class talents, winning demeanor and varied experience, we are pleased to have him back both to contribute as an invaluable member of the SONY BMG business and legal affairs' team and to oversee business and legal affairs for the Sony Music Label Group."
'Jeff has the skills, experience and passion necessary for success in today's competitive marketplace,' commented Don Ienner, President and CEO, Sony Music Label Group, U.S. 'It's a real pleasure to welcome Jeff back to Sony Music -- he's a great addition to the team, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build the Group and its labels.'
'Jeff is a seasoned professional with a proven ability to develop and implement effective business affairs strategies, and his considerable strength at the negotiating table, combined with his knowledge of the complexities of the marketplace, give him a unique ability to close the right deal quickly,' commented Ms. Anthony. 'His many contributions and achievements have earned him the respect of his peers throughout the industry, making him the perfect choice to help guide our business and legal affairs activities.'
Most recently, Mr. Walker served as Senior Vice President, Business Affairs & Operations, BMG, since 2004. In this capacity he was responsible for BMG North America's business affairs activities, coordinating and overseeing material legal transactions for operating units under the North American division including BMG Distribution, BMG Strategic Marketing and the BMG New Technology Group. He also supervised the film and television licensing group and the copyright department.
From 1995 to 2003 Mr. Walker was head of the Business and Legal Affairs department for RCA Music Group, a division of BMG Music, encompassing the RCA, RCA Victor, Windham Hill and Private Music labels. For a brief period in 2003, Mr. Walker was in private practice, representing a variety of record companies and artists.
From 1993 to 1995 he was Director, Business Affairs, Sony Music Entertainment. He joined Sony Music in 1991 as counsel in the company's Law Department, and was subsequently promoted to Senior Counsel. He began his legal career in 1988 as a corporate associate with the New York-based law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
Mr. Walker holds an A.B. in Spanish Literature from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctor from Harvard Law School.
