Warner Closes Distrib Arm In Italy, Revamps Local Staff

Warner Music Italy is to shut down its distribution operation. Effective May 1, all music and video product will be distributed through Milan-based Log Service Europe, the Italian partner of European distributor Fiege Group. Warner Music Italy's 40 employees will be transferred to Log Service Europe. A company statement says the move will "allow Warner Music Italy to focus on core activities."

Meanwhile, Warner Music Italy president Gero Caccia is reorganizing the company in a move designed to allow him more time for his recently added responsibilities as executive VP of Warner Music Europe (Bulletin, March 27). Massimo Giuliano, managing director of strategic marketing and of WEA Records Italy, is promoted to MD of the entire company. Based in Milan, he reports to Caccia. WEA Records Italy marketing director Paolo De Toma is upped to GM, and Warner Fonit marketing manager Umberto Candiolo becomes Warner strategic-marketing GM. At CGD EastWest, Luciano Linzi becomes GM, succeeding Fabrizio Giannini, who has exited. Linzi was new-media director for Warner Music Italy. De Toma, Candiolo, and Linzi report to Giuliano.