New Look Sony: The newly restructured Sony/Nashville promotion blueprint seems to have eliminated the Dir./National Promotion position at imprints Arista, Columbia and RCA while creating a National level position across the group. The moves bring the company's structure in line with that employed by EVP/Promotion  & Artist Development Steve Hodges during his time with UMG/Nashville and Capitol. As reported earlier via Breaking News, RCA Dir./National Promotion Josh Easler has been named Arista VP/Promotion and regional Lauren Thomas has been named to that newly created Dir./National Promotion post for the group. Easler's first task will be to replace Thomas as West Coast rep; reach him here and congratulate Thomas here.

Exiting are Arista/VP Promotion Lesly Simon, Columbia VP/Promotion Norbert Nix (615-429-6672) Arista Dir./National Promotion Andy Elliott (615-585-4101), Columbia Dir./National Promotion RJ Meacham (615-715-2764) and Columbia West Coast rep Dave Dame. Hodges will lead Columbia until a new VP is named and the search is on for that position as well as the open regional slot; contact Hodges here.