MUMBAI: Following the successful creation of the global music recording joint venture Sony BMG Music Entertainment 18 months ago, the parent companies Sony America and Bertelsmann are moving forward with a management realignment that will further strengthen the operation of the company.

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz who was formerly chairman of the company's board will be the CEO. Andrew Lack, who has been the CEO will be the chairman of the board. The company which is headquartered in New York, will continue to be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of six representatives of Bertelsmann and Sony.

Schmidt-Holtz will have overall management responsibility for the company. Lack will lead the company's public policy and industry initiatives, and assume operating responsibility and oversight for the theatrical film business of Sony BMG.

The joint venture Sony BMG Music Entertainment was formally announced on 5 August, 2004. It is equally owned by Bertelsmann and Sony America. It encompasses some of the most influential and successful record labels in the world and a wide array of recording artistes and operates worldwide.