January 15, 2008

By By Antony Bruno, Denver

EMI?s head of digital Barney Wragg has left EMI. According to multiple sources, Wragg departed today, but no official announcement has yet been made.

While Wragg's exit does not appear to be part of the major layoffs EMI announced this week, it does seem to be related to the impact of the reorganization.

Under the restructuring plans, EMI is consolidating various support activities under a unified global leadership, meaning those executives that remain will be taking on responsibilities and tasks previously left to other employees. Sources with knowledge of the situation say EMI wanted him to take on a more hands-on role in the execution of the company's digital initiatives, while Wragg wanted to focus more on strategy.

Wragg is perhaps best known as the mastermind behind EMI's DRM-free policy for digital music. EMI last April became the first major record label to sell digital music without file encryption technology. All four majors now do so in one form or another.

Officials at EMI declined to comment. It is not clear who will replace Wragg, or what his departure means for the company's broader digital unit and its activities.

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