Bandier Takes Helm Of Sony/ATV

Martin Bandier, who became Chairman/CEO of EMI Music Publishing in 1989 after a merger between SBK and Thorn EMI, was named chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sony Corp. of America said.

The venture is partly owned by Michael Jackson and controls copyrights of songs by artists such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.

The veteran music exec will make an undisclosed investment in the company.

Bandier, who helped grow EMI into the world’s largest and most successful music publishing company, will join Sony/ATV April 1st.

He will oversee the company’s global music publishing activities – including talent and copyright acquisitions – and will develop broad new strategic initiatives, Sony announced in a statement.

Bandier will report to Sony Chairman/CEO Sir Howard Stringer and CFO / Executive VP Rob Wiesenthal.

"We are very excited to have Marty take the helm at Sony/ATV in what we believe will be a transformative appointment," Stringer said in a statement. "This sends a strong signal about how serious we are about music publishing and adds one of the most respected and accomplished executives in the music industry to our team.

"We expect Marty to do what he does best, grow this business and take it to the upper echelon of the industry."