Sony Music Entertainment opens Middle East office in Dubai

The new operation will be responsible for managing SME's presence in the growing Middle Eastern markets, including Egypt and the Arabic Levant countries of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, and capitalizing on significant digital and live-event opportunities arising in the region.

"Even in these challenging economic times, there continue to be opportunities for expanding the reach and influence of our Sony Music artists around the globe via both traditional and innovative avenues," said Mr. DiCicco.

He added, "The opening of our new office in Dubai is a response to these opportunities and a sign of our commitment to the further development of our content and artist representation in the global arena."

He continued, "Additionally, with this new presence in Dubai, we are ideally situated to capitalize on opportunities with our nearby Sony Music India office and grow interest in regional artist events and the live-event/branding business developed by our Asian regional team."

Launching the new office is Kevin Ridgely, who has previous experience managing Sony Music's former offices in Beirut and Cairo. He also was instrumental in the merger of the Sony Music and BMG offices in Brazil. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Middlebury Arabic Language program. Mr. Ridgley is based in Dubai and will report to Mr. DiCicco.