MUMBAI: Sony has appointed Doug Morris as chief executive officer of Sony Music Entertainment, effective 1 July, 2011.  The announcement was made by Sony Corporation chairman, chief executive officer and president Sir Howard Stringer.

At Sony Music Entertainment (SME), he will succeed Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, who will be departing the company concurrent with the end of his contract on 31 March, 2011.

"I have known Doug Morris for many years, and am delighted that he has agreed to lead Sony Music Entertainment," said Stringer.  "At this critical time in the evolution of the music industry, I can think of no one more qualified as a proven executive, an innovator, a music impresario and a statesman than Doug Morris.  I welcome him to the Company and look forward to our working together to drive Sony Music to preeminence in the industry.”

"I also want to thank Rolf Schmidt-Holtz for his tremendous contribution to Sony Music," added Stringer.  "From his time as Chairman of the Sony BMG Music Entertainment joint venture in 2004, through his operational role as CEO beginning in 2006, Rolf has been a courageous, candid and forward-thinking executive, and our entire Company has benefitted greatly from his leadership.  We wish him great success as he undertakes new challenges upon his return to Europe."

"I’m delighted by the opportunity to work with Howard and the entire Sony Music team," commented Morris. "At such a pivotal time for music, it’s more important than ever to develop a fertile, creative environment that generates the highest quality of artists and music, while seeking to fully exploit the many opportunities that new digital services and products provide in reaching audiences around the world."

For the next few months, prior to Morris’ joining Sony Music Entertainment, Stringer will oversee the executive decision-making at SME.