SMI FORMS SONY MUSIC NORTE

Sony Music’s new Latin music division will encompass the U.S., Mexico and Central America, with SMI Latin America Chairman/CEO Frank Welzer naming Kevin Lawrie to the post of President for the newly formed company.

The move marks the exit of longtime Sony Discos head Oscar Llord.

Lawrie, previously President Sony Music Mexico, will be based in Miami and report to Welzer, overseeing A&R, marketing, promotion, sales and distribution for Latin music recordings in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (formerly handled by Sony Discos), as well as in Mexico and Central America (previously under Sony Music Mexico).

Commented Welzer: "Kevin Lawrie is the perfect choice to head this newly formed operation. He is a creative innovator with strong connections to the artistic community, he’s well-respected by artists and managers, his talents and abilities are much admired by his colleagues and he makes a helluva steak."

Added SMI Chairman Robert Bowlin: "By combining the U.S., Mexican and Central American operations, we have created a single, cohesive entity uniquely positioned to create and implement fully intergrated plans across the entire region."

Said SMI President Rick Dobbis: "The creation of Sony Music Norte is part of a larger plan to create a more effective and responsive structure within our regional operations. From A&R to artist development to marketing strategies, this new structure will enable us to respond rapidly to changes in the marketplace, and maximize the impact of our artists and projects within the region."

Lawrie’s team will include Sr. VP Marketing Luana Pagani, VP Business Affairs Barry Fiedel, EVP Administration Jorge Melendez, VP Strategic Mktg. Jose Manuel Cuevas and VP Creative Services Paul Forat.

Lawrie has served as Sony Music Mexico President for the last four years. He joined the label in 1994 as Director Finance Administration. He also spent six years with Price Waterhouse, working in the company’s N.Y. and Madrid practices.