MICHELE ANTHONY NAMED COO, SONY MUSIC U.S.
In her new COO role, Anthony will report to Ienner and work on all aspects of the management of the Sony Music Label Group, which includes Columbia, Epic and Sony Nashville. In her role as EVP of Sony BMG, she will continue to oversee government relations and serve as the company’s liaison in legislative and legal issues, reporting directly to Sony BMG Music chief Andrew Lack.
Said Ienner of Anthony’s appointment, “I first met Michele over 15 years ago when she was the lawyer for Alice In Chains, and I wanted to sign the band to Columbia. I was deeply impressed with her broad-based understanding of both the creative and business sides of the industry, and after our very first meeting, I started pushing for her to join Sony. Over the years, she has proven time and again that my instincts were correct. From playing a pivotal role in the signing of key artists such as Pearl Jam, Aerosmith, Rage Against The Machine, the Offspring and Prince, to making invaluable contributions to the management of the company, she's been a major asset to Sony and to the industry as a whole. I couldn't be more pleased that we'll be working together more closely than ever, as we continue to build on the company's stature as a leading force in entertainment.”
"Michele has a complete grasp of the complex issues facing the music business, and a proven ability to identify and implement real solutions," commented Lack. "Her business acumen and passionate approach to her work have won her admirers throughout the entertainment industry, as well as in the political community. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her on a broad range of projects and issues.”
Anthony was named Executive Vice President of Sony Music Entertainment in 1994. While contributing to the management of Sony Music, she also acted as Sony Music’s liaison to other Sony divisions and companies, including Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Electronics. From 1993 to 1994, she served as Executive Vice President of Sony Music, where she helped oversee day-to-day operations of all divisions and was involved in company-wide administration.
She joined Sony Music in 1990 as Senior Vice President, establishing and managing the company's regional A&R offices in addition to overseeing special projects and new business. Prior to joining Sony Music, Anthony was a partner in entertainment law firm Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg & Phillips.
