Sony International boss Edgar Berger exits after 12 years

The Chairman & CEO of Sony Music’s international operation, Edgar Berger, is leaving the major.

MBW has just been passed an internal note sent around the business by Sony Music CEO Doug Morris, in which he says that Berger has “decided to leave the company to pursue new entrepreneurial interests”.

His exit from Sony will inevitably trigger whispers of what Sony Music’s global structure will look like under incoming CEO Rob Stringer – and whether the major’s territory bosses will now report into the New York-based exec direct.

News of Berger’s exit comes in the same month we learned that Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton – the figure ultimately responsible for Sony Music and Sony Pictures – is also out, leaving to focus on his role as Chairman of Snap Inc’s board.

Edgar Berger was named President & CEO, International, Sony Music Entertainment, by Doug Morris in 2011.

He has been responsible for Sony Music’s operations and regional offices outside the US ever since.

“Edgar has played an important role in growing our business around the world. He has helped drive strategic business initiatives and innovation across the globe.”

Doug Morris, Sony Music Entertainment

Berger previously served as CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, GSA Region, overseeing the company’s operations in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Before this, he was CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Germany, while from 2000 until 2005, he held a series of executive roles at Bertelsmann AG, including Executive Vice President.

You can read Doug Morris’s short internal note regarding Berger’s departure below.

Dear colleagues,

Edgar Berger has decided to leave the company to pursue new entrepreneurial interests after 12 years with the Sony Music family, including the last six years as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music International.

Edgar has played an important role in growing our business around the world. He has helped drive strategic business initiatives and innovation across the globe.

We want to thank Edgar for his many contributions to Sony Music over the years, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.Music Business Worldwide

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