SONY EUROPE UPS THREE AMIGOS

Sony Music Entertainment has named a trio of executives to top European positions at the company. Well, it named one and then let the new execs make an exec announcement.

Sony Music Entertainment Europe Chairman Paul "Nipsy" Russell has been named Chairman, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, it was announced today by SME Chairman/CEO Thomas D. Mottola.

Russell, who reports to SME Exec VP Michele Anthony, will be based both in New York and London. He adds this new title to his responsibilities as Chairman of SME Europe.

"Paul Russell is one of our company's great assets, and having him spend more time here at headquarters recognizes the importance and immediacy of his input into our global plans," said Mottola. "Paul will help us expand our publishing interests, and his familiarity with the issues and players in every territory is a tremendous benefit to this company. Plus, he's getting half his pay in frequent-flier miles."

Russell got to announce that Paul Burger "King" has been appointed President, SME Europe.

"Paul Burger will prove an invaluable asset in our efforts to seamlessly integrate our pan-European activities," said Russell. "And his Chicken Tenders are delicious."

All the European affiliates and company functions will report directly to Burger, with the exception of manufacturing. Burger has served as Chairman & CEO, SME U.K., since January 1993.

Burger was handed the awesome responsibility of announcing that Rob "Silly" Stringer has been named Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Entertainment U.K.

Stringer will report to Burger in his new role and have full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the U.K. company.

"Rob molded Epic Records U.K. into one of the country's premier labels," said Burger. "The U.K. company is in good hands, and I have the pleasure of continuing to work with Rob on a wide array of Sony Music Europe initiatives. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to order some new business cards."