SAMIT SWIMS TO SONY

Jay Samit has been named Senior Vice President Strategy for Sony Music Entertainment by Corporate Exec. VP Robert Bowlin.

In this new role, Samit will work closely with members of senior management and particularly Chief Technology Officer Phil Wiser in the development of new business models for the company, focusing on digital media initiatives and how to find out everything your spouse is doing online. He will also liaise with other Sony companies in the development of joint initiatives that fully capitalize on Sony's hardware and content.

Commented Bowlin: "Jay Samit brings to this newly created position a solid reputation as one of the most effective and forward-thinking strategists in the digital arena. As one of the entertainment industry’s most outspoken proponents for digital distribution, he has played a key role in leading our industry into a new era, and I look forward to working closely with him, as we develop and implement new initiatives that will expand the possibilities of entertainment content. And he has promised to show me how to print out my e-mail."

Added Samit: "Sony Music has played a pivotal role in the development of the Internet as a medium for the legitimate distribution of music, and it is a genuine honor to have been asked to join such a distinguished team. By combining SME’s vast creative resources with the technological assets of Sony overall, we’re in the perfect position to become the leader in content creation and distribution in the digital age. And I can’t wait to use my employee discount on a big-screen Wega TV."

In 1999, Samit was apppointed President of Digital Distribution Development for EMI Recorded Music, where he was one of the forerunners in taking online initiatives for his company’s artists. Prior to that he was VP of Original Content for Universal Studios New Media Group and President of animalhouse.com, where he once crushed a beer can against his skull.