One would think with the separation of Sony and BMG the newly re-labled Sony Music Entertainment (SME) might become a little less Bertelsmann-influenced. Not just yet, apparently. After having his employment contract renewed for another three years recently, CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz is actually strengthening the German-speaking upper management levels at the now wholly Japanese-owned major company. Edgar Berger, who until recently served as President & CEO of Sony BMG Germany, has been promoted to the post of CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Germany/Switzerland/Austria (GSA). That’s effective immediately.
The promotion came via the offices of Schmidt-Holtz and Richard Sanders, who is President of International at SME. In a prepared statement Sanders said Berger’s leadership qualities were “impressive”, pointing out how well Sony BMG Germany has been doing in terms of establishing new revenue streams for the company. 
You might remember an earlier post here: Back in November Berger predicted that Sony will generate 30 percent of its revenues in 2009 from sources other than CDs. Berger is banking on digital sales, live entertainment, artist management, merchandise, comedy and kids entertainment. Newcomers will only be given a contract, if they agree to Sony’s 360 package. Without these kinds of business extensions music companies would be left in the rain, Berger said back then.
Besides Berger, Schmidt-Holtz also managed to recruit another German-speaking executive for a senior position. Bogdan Roscic will become SME’s President of Classical on April 6. In this newly created role Roscic will oversee all of Sony Music’s Classical operations and report directly to Schmidt-Holtz. 
After some years at Austrian pubcaster ORF, Roscic had made a career in the music business at Universal Music where he first served as MD of its Austrian division. He later became VP of A&R at Deutsche Grammophon and was then promoted to MD of the Decca Music Group. Roscic has a reputation for being an expert in the classical arena and Schmidt-Holtz wants him to grow this part of the business again at Sony. ”While genres like Classical remain under tremendous pressure in the marketplace, we believe it has enduring appeal with consumers and we plan to harness it with a renewed commitment to strong leadership, a rich catalog and a world-class roster,” Schmidt-Holtz said.
[...] major label seem to be strong. German Manager Magazin recently portrayed the company and its CEO, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, saying that in an adverse environment Sony Music had the best management in the [...]