According to HitsDailyDouble, Sony Corp Howard Stringer is in a slightly more powerful position regarding the future of SonyBMG boss Andy Lack than some had thought. Specifics of the Sony/BMG merger deal means that Stringer has the sole authority to appoint the SonyBMG CEO until 2009. What's more, BMG execs won't be in a position to fire Lack until next August - his contract is up for renewal in March.
That said, contract specifics aside, Stringer might want to make a move quicker in order to end those previously reported tensions in the SonyBMG board room, where former BMG execs reportedly want Lack out of the top job. It may be, though, that Stringer is waiting to see what happens after former BMG exec and SonyBMG COO Michael Smellie leaves the merged major at the end of the month. It was Smellie's decision to quit that provided the initial catalyst for the fall out between top level Sony and BMG executives.