Just wondering if anyone has news (confirmed or otherwise, mostly otherwise!) about management changes at Sony BMG. Please feel free to confidentially share what you are hearing...

Sony BMG Shakeout Begins

The aftershocks at the newly minted Sony BMG are just starting, with members of both squads feeling tremors. Billboard recently reported that both Sony Music International chairman Bob Bowlin and president Rick Dobbis will not be part of the newly combined label. The report continues to say that each territory will now report directly to Michael Smellie, the new COO of the combined group. But some chatter has surfaced that ex-Warner head Roger Ames will be brought in to head SMI, with conversations between Sony BMG CEO Andrew Lack and the Ames ongoing. Confusing signals also continue to swirl around longtime EVP Michele Anthony, with some insisting that she will stay, while others point to a departure.

After receiving approval from both the EU and FTC, Sony Corporation and Bertelsmann officially combined their music divisions on August 5th. Prior to the official announcement, a downsizing plan emerged, with approximately 2,000 expected to lose their jobs. That will create a total costs savings of $300 million, and will certainly include redundant positions. An official announcement may be coming soon.