Hamlet, of course, was a prince of Denmark, while Schmidt is a highly esteemed German executive for a highly esteemed German media conglomerate. Both, of course, tower over this putrid stink-heap of a website. But none of that changes the fact that the 40-year-old Schmidt today named himself Chairman and CEO of BeMusic, the new BeCG operating unit comprising BMG Direct’s internet and mail-order record clubs, the recently acquired CDNOW e-tail enterprise and MyPlay digital locker service and other assets, including Bertelsmann’s strategic alliance with the once-popular Napster. As a result, we can only guess there will be a few more slices of Smellie Schmidt-Holtz on his pumpernickel sandwiches from here on out, if you know what we mean.
BeMusic, which claims 23 million subscribers and customers and $1 billion in music sales, will consist of three divisions, each with its own full complement of executives reporting directly to Schmidt: BeMusic Direct, which will manage BMG Direct’s music clubs and CDNOW; BeMusic Services, the company’s online and offline fulfillment division; and BeMusic Digital, which will manage MyPlay and BeMusic’s other music websites, as well as taking charge of "building the new integrated music destination service for BeMusic that will combine all forms of online and digital distribution of music including clubs, retail and digital subscriptions." Sounds simple enough.
As part of the new organization, Schmidt has appointed former bol.com President/CEO Stuart Goldfarb President/CEO of BeMusic Direct and former BMG Direct Sr. VP Operations Tom Hoekzema President/CEO of BeMusic Services. In addition to his duties as President/CEO BeCG and Chairman/CEO BeMusic, Schmidt will oversee BeMusic Digital until a President and CEO for the division can be found. Talk about your mortal coils!
In addition, Schmidt has announced the following BeMusic appointments:
THE RISE OF CHAPPELL ROAN: BEHIND THE SCENES
Here's how it happened. An oral history by Craig Marks. (8/30a)
A SIZZLING HITS LIST
Hot off the grill. Pairs well with your brewski of choice. (8/30a)
GUY MOOT AND CARIANNE MARSHALL: THE HITS INTERVIEW
Publishing's dynamic duo (8/28a)
THE COUNT: A LABOR (DAY) OF LIVE-MUSIC LOVE
Your other option is staying home and watching college football. (8/30a)
| ||
THE GRAMMY SHORT LIST
Who's already a lock?
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
ALL THE WAY LIVE
The players, the tours, the enormous beers.
|