Franco Cabrini Named President, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Italy

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Franco Cabrini was named president, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Italy. He will report directly to Maarten Steinkamp, who heads Sony BMG's operations in Continental Europe.

"Sony BMG's unprecedented artist roster in Italy requires a leader of Franco's caliber who can bring together two of the most successful and respected music companies in the country," said Steinkamp. "Franco brings to Sony BMG a stellar track record and I am confident that under his leadership, our Italian company will thrive."

Cabrini most recently served as president, Sony Music Entertainment Italy, since October 1991. Under his leadership, Sony became a market leader in Italy. Throughout his varied career in the Italian music industry, he has had the opportunity to work with many local artists including Antonella Venditti, Lucio Dalla, Eros Ramazzotti and Pino Daniele as well as Adriano Celentano, Renato Zero and Claudio Baglioni.

Cabrini began his career in 1970 in the marketing department at PolyGram Italy, where he went on to become head of marketing in 1980. He then joined CBS Records Italy in 1983 as marketing director, moving to EMI Records in 1987 as senior marketing director. — Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen