AMES EXITS WMG, WILL CONSULT TIME WARNER

Roger Ames is moving on...though his future direction could change yet again.

The former Warner Music Group Chairman/CEO has ended his consultancy with the Music Group and begun work as a consultant for Time Warner, according to an internal memo sent around by Edgar Bronfman Jr.

"Roger has been a superb leader for Warner Music Group during his five years here, navigating the company deftly and with sound judgment through some of the most challenging times our industry has faced. Among his many achievements as chairman and CEO, Roger orchestrated a carefully considered restructuring of the company prior to its sale. He played a key role in the launch of iTunes and led the industry in facilitating relationships with other new media companies. Through his efforts to revitalize our international and domestic operations, Warner Music has become a recognized global force in the industry. Perhaps most significantly, Roger has positioned WMG as one of the most progressive, forward-thinking music companies in the business."

Bronfman went on to express his "deep appreciation for the critical role he played in helping make the company's transition to new ownership as smooth as possible. I've come to regard Roger as a friend as well as a business colleague and I will miss his wise counsel."

And while Ames will now enter a non-exclusive consulting agreement with Time Warner, chatter continues that there may yet be a role for him in the current Sony BMG restructuring following approval of the two mega-companies' merger.