Sony BMG Music Entertainment has promoted Julie Swidler to executive VP, business affairs and general counsel.
Swidler, previously executive VP of business and legal affairs for the BMG U.S. Label Group and the RCA Music Group, has a newly combined role. She will oversee business affairs and legal for the global company, providing guidance to Sony BMG’s labels and operating units on a wide variety of issues, including artist and employment contracts, third-party agreements, digital technology issues, strategic negotiations, transactional matters and litigation. She will also be a member of the Executive Committee.
“During her tenure with Sony BMG, Julie has been an irreplaceable member of the executive team,” says Sony BMG CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz. “Her business and legal acumen place her among the top executives working in her field, and her fiscally responsible approach to business has helped us to implement significant cost-saving measures. She is passionate about both music and the music business, and she is a skilled leader as well as a true team player. In short she is perfect for this pivotal role.”
Swidler began working for the company in 1999 as senior VP, business and legal affairs, Arista Records, and later held similar positions at J Records and the RCA Music Group.
Based in New York, she reports directly to Schmidt-Holtz.
