AOL is expected to name Kevin Conroy, former BMG Internet topper, to the newly created post of head of AOL music, The Post has learned.
Conroy, the former chief marketing officer and president of new technology for BMG Entertainment, announced his resignation from Bertelsmann’s music group last week. He was brought into the company by former BMG CEO Strauss Zelnick, who left the German media conglomerate after the company was restrucutured.
Separately, BMG’s new chief, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, is expected to name RCA Records President Robert Jamieson head of BMG’s North American operations, sources told Hitsdailydouble.com. It will be Schmidt-Holtz’ first move since taking the helm of BMG two weeks ago.
As head of music at AOL, Conroy will oversee AOL’s alliances with all of the major music companies. He will also coordinate all internal online music properties – including AOL’s Spinner, Winamp and music channel divisions.
AOL has been working to develop a subscription model for the delivery of licensed music. It is intended to rival Napster, the controversial song-swapping service that recently inked a deal with Bertelsmann to develop a subscription service. Sources say Conroy will oversee those operations.
Conroy oversaw all corporate marketing and New Media development for BMG.
Conroy oversaw BMG’s joint venture with Universal Music Group, GetMusic.com, as well as several marketing alliances with other sites, including Lycos, Microsoft, MP3.com, and Real Networks.
Before joining BMG in 1995, Conroy was vice president of marketing for CBS/Fox video.