Former BMG execs encourage Smellie to stay

According to US website HitsDailyDouble, former senior BMG execs have been trying to persuade SonyBMG's Chief Operating Office, Michael Smellie, to stay on in his current role. As previously reported, Smellie intends to step down at the end of the year and, although he will continue to work as a consultant for SonyBMG, he will be based away from the action in Sydney. Despite rumours BMG US boss Charles Goldstuck might be given his job, there are reportedly concerns that Smellie's departure would give former Sony execs the upper hand at the merged major, and they are therefore trying to persuade him to reconsider. It is unlikely he will comply with their requests - it remains to be seen, though, if SonyBMG boss, and former Sony chief, Andy Lack, considers those BMG concerns when appointing Smellie's replacement.