Céline officially on Sony Bmg

November 12, 2004 at 01:15 AM

Sony BMG Canada announces appointment of executive team on heels of merger
08:10 PM EST Nov 11
TORONTO (CP) - As expected from the merger of Sony and BMG, there's been a shakeup of executives at the Canadian offices.

Neil Foster was named to the newly created position of general manager for the merged label, said a company statement. His experience includes a stint as vice-president of RCA Music Group for North America. Foster was vice-president of operation for BMG North America. Shane Carter was appointed vice-president of marketing. A 19-year veteran of the entertainment business, he joined BMG in 1999.

Germany's BMG and Japan's Sony announced plans to merge their music businesses last year as a 50-50 joint venture.

Last month BMG Canada president Lisa Zbitnew was announced as the head of the merged Canadian operations, displacing Denise Donlon, who headed Sony.

There's no official word of layoffs at the merged company, which has about 200 employees in Canada, although industry watchers - including Billboard Magazine - report job cuts are expected.

Sony BMG spokesman Nathanial Brown would not confirm any layoffs.

"I can't help you with that," he said from the New York offices Thursday. "I don't think we're going to be commenting on that."

The two companies are still working from separate offices in Canada. Investment Canada is expected to approve the merger any day now. The European Commission has authorized the venture, saying it didn't find any evidence the deal would harm consumers.

On Thursday, several staff members at the Toronto BMG and Sony offices said they hadn't heard of any layoffs, although some senior employees are taking early retirements or leaving to start new companies.

Other appointments include Dave Toomey as vice-president domestic marketing and international exploitation. He comes from the Sony side. Vito Luprano, also from Sony, will continue to head up A&R in Quebec as a senior vice-president. He was on the team that helped Celine Dion's career explode. Steve Simon will be vice-president sales. He joined BMG in 1997.

Sony BMG Canada's roster includes Celine Dion, Our Lady Peace, Keisha Chante and Canadian Idols Ryan Malcolm and Kalan Porter.