In his new role Gatfield, who only joined Sony in February as president of the music division, will report directly to Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris.

Morris described the former EMI Music president of new music for north America as "an accomplished music executive with a successful A&R background, strong senior management experience, and a special understanding of the artist community."

Gatfield, who also held down the president of Universal Island Records brief until 2008, said he was delighted ...