MUMBAI: Tim Bowen has been named chief operating officer of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. The announcement was made by the company's CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz. Bowen will be based in New York and will report to Schmidt-Holtz.

Bowen will work closely with Schmidt-Holtz in overseeing all aspects of the global music company's operations. This will include direct responsibility for Sony BMG's international operations, as well as the company's global digital business, strategic marketing, legacy,

masterworks and sales enterprise divisions. Bowen will also direct the company's expanding audio-visual and TV interests on a worldwide basis and oversee human resources.

"Tim brings to this role a deep understanding of both the creative and
business aspects of the music industry. He has extensive experience with both of the companies that came together to form Sony BMG, and the dedication, passion and vision that are necessary to lead the joint venture into the future. He is clearly the right choice for this key post, and it is a true pleasure to announce his appointment," said Schmidt-Holtz.

"I'm delighted to have been given this opportunity. With a dynamic roster of current artists, a catalogue that includes an incredible number of legendary recordings, and impressive capabilities in the areas of marketing, distribution and digital initiatives, we have everything we need to establish Sony BMG as the clear leader in the global marketplace. I look forward to continuing my close working relationship with Rolf, as well as with managing directors from around the world and the entire Sony BMG team, as we realise the full potential of the joint venture," added Bowen.

Most recently Bowen served as chairman, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, for Sony BMG Music Entertainment International, a post he had held since February of 2004. He joined BMG in 2002 when he was appointed COO, BMG Europe by Schmidt-Holtz and carried out a number of international assignments before he was appointed chairman, BMG UK and Ireland in 2003. In the role of chairman he handled the operations of BMG and Zomba in the UK and Ireland and SYCO, Sony's TV production company with Simon Cowell.

Prior to joining BMG, Bowen worked for Universal Music International as senior vice president of marketing and business affairs and following the merger of Polygram and Universal Music he became executive vice president of Universal Music International.