Fourtou, a former pharmaceutical executive known for his fiscal abilities, has no experience in the entertainment sector, while Diller, who has run studios and networks, is known as a consummate dealmaker and is well regarded on Wall Street. Due to Vivendi’s current financial and image problems at the corporate level, Fourtou is asking Diller to step up to help assuage investors while the pair work on the problems.
Diller, who became head of Vivendi Universal Entertainment when Vivendi bought his USA Network assets, has long been rumored to be taking a larger role, possibly as head of an entertainment spin-off. It has been unclear whether Doug Morris’ Universal Music Group would be part of such a new company, but Diller has previously said he doesn't wish to oversee a music company.
But following Diller’s elevation, Fourtou is expected to promote video game division chief Kenneth Cron to VUE COO, and UMG may be added to his purview in the reshuffling, according to the Times. That would give Cron, who joined the company last year when it bought his Uproar game company, oversight of movies, television, cable, music and theme parks.
UMG will continue to be run by Morris, while Universal Pictures will continue to be run by Ron Meyer, the Times says.
THE COUNT: COACHELLA, FROM THE COUCH
The coziest way to experience the fest (4/18a)
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THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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