Former Epic Records prexy Richard Griffiths has been tapped by BMG Entertainment Intl. as chairman of the conglom's U.K.-Ireland outpost. The nod follows a reorganization of BMG's international operation and the exit of John Preston, whom Griffiths replaces.
Griffiths, who ankled Epic in the wake of the ascension of Polly Anthony, who added the Epic prexy post to her duties as head of 550 Records, also will hold the title of exec veep in charge of Central Europe. Sony brass had tried to find a new post for Griffiths, but the exec wanted to remain abroad, which limited his possibilities in that company (Daily Variety, Sept. 15). Griffiths was given an early exit from his Epic pact to find a new gig.
The dual title for Griffiths follows the splitting of BMG's European operations into two regions: BMG U.K.-Central Europe, which will be based in London, and BMG GSA-Eastern Europe, which will be based in Munich. The shift shrinks to two the number of BMG's Euro divisions to shepherd its 200 labels in 53 countries.
"Richard is the quintessential well-rounded music exec for the '90s," said Rudi Gassner, prexy and CEO of BMG Intl. "He has great ears, exceptional leadership ... and is internationally minded. He brings an incredible level of enthusiasm and commitment to the task at hand."
As part of the restructuring, BMG GSA prexy Thomas Stein will add oversight of the Eastern Europe outposts, which include 13 countries ranging from Austria to Turkey. "Today's European market requires more consolidated, synergistic management procedures," Gassner said.
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