Michael Lynton Named CEO of Sony Corporation America

NEW YORK: Michael Lynton has been appointed as the CEO of Sony Corporation America, while Nicole Seligman takes on the role of president.

Lynton will be overseeing entertainment businesses such as Sony Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Lynton will also remain the chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Amy Pascal remains as co-chairman.

Seligman will be responsible for Sony’s U.S. headquarters operations. She also retains her role as the executive VP and general counsel of Sony Corporation.

Both appointments become effective June 27. On April 1, Kazuo Hirai officially becomes the president and CEO of Sony Corporation. Sir Howard Stringer continues as chairman until June 27, then transitions to chairman of the Sony board of directors. Stringer has also been chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation America since 1998. The position of Sony Corporation America chairman of the board will be taken over by Hirai as of June 27. Lynton and Seligman will report to Hirai.

“Michael Lynton is an incredibly accomplished executive who has distinguished himself in at least three different fields—entertainment, technology and publishing,” said Stringer. “Michael and Amy helped put Sony Pictures on the path of stability and profits and they continue to be one of the most successful partnerships in entertainment. Michael is absolutely the right choice to succeed me as CEO of SCA. He understands the vital importance of fulfilling Sony’s unique promise of linking content and devices, and has been instrumental in our efforts to make it happen.”

“Having worked so closely with Nicole Seligman for more than a decade, I know her to be a superb leader with great intelligence and integrity,” Stringer continued. “There is no one better suited to serve as SCA President at this important time in the company’s history.”

“I have known both Michael and Nicole for many years and they will do an excellent job at Sony Corporation of America,” added Hirai. “They will be key members of my management team as we build on the progress made under the leadership of Sir Howard and fulfill Sony’s destiny as the company best able to make and deliver the kind of entertainment, products and services people want.”

“I am grateful to Sir Howard and Kaz for this opportunity to work with Nicole, Doug, Marty and Amy in leading Sony’s entertainment businesses,” commented Lynton. “While the studio and the music companies are doing well, this remains an era of great change and challenge, and so I know we will work more closely than ever with Sony’s electronics and network businesses to bring the best possible entertainment experiences to people everywhere.”

“Working with Sir Howard throughout this past decade has been a highlight of my career, and I am thrilled to have the chance to work closely with Michael in leading Sony Corporation of America,” said Seligman. “Michael, Amy, Doug and Marty are the best entertainment executives in the business, and together with them, we all look forward to joining Kaz in putting Sony on the path to ever greater success.”