Friday, March 14, 2008

ArtistDirect Shuffles Executives

Santa Monica-based ArtistDirect, an online music download and digital media site, said earlier this week that it has shuffled its executives. The firm said that it has appointed Dimitri Villard as the firm's interim CEO, replacing Jon Diamond. Diamond has become chairman of ArtistDirect. The firm also said that Frederick W. Field, the firm's chairman, will remain a director. The firm said the move was made to "maximize the inherent value of its digital media entertainment assets." The move comes a month after the firm reported that it has hired investment banking firm Salem Partners LLC to shop the firm; ArtistDirect also owns anti-piracy firm MediaDefender, which it purchased in 2005 for $43M.

---