There's a not-so-new kid on the Block.

Michael Block is named Executive Vice President of Sales for Sony BMG Music Entertainment’s Commercial Music Group by CMG President John Ingrassia, to whom he’ll report.

Commented Ingrassia: “Michael is smart, tough and motivated, and he brings to this role a thorough understanding of both the digital and physical market place. I have every confidence that his unique skill set will enable him to identify creative ways to deal with the constantly changing business landscape, as well as to further build our sales operations in the physical, online, mobile and non-traditional spaces. In fact, I just saw him on the corner of Madison and 56^th hawking CDs out of the trunk of his car.”

In this new role, Block will be responsible for developing and implementing overall physical and digital sales strategies for all of the labels and divisions within the group, including Masterworks, the CMG Label Group, the Strategic & Custom Marketing Group and Legacy Recordings, the company's reissue and catalog division.

Commented Block: "This is a great opportunity to contribute to the development of a dynamic group of labels, and to work with some of the most talented people in the business. I look forward to working with the entire team as we develop new sales opportunities and bring our artists and projects to the broadest possible audience. By the way, will you tell Pearson I’m not in?"

Previously, Block served as EVP Sales for the Sony Music Label Group, developing sales strategies and overseeing the staff. His first job in the music industry was serving as a college rep for Sony Music Distribution in Syracuse, and was subsequently promoted to Field Marketing Rep for the New York Branch. He came to work for Sony Music Distribution in N.Y. as Associate Director, Single Sales at Columbia and subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility at the label, including E.C. Regional Director of Sales, Sr. Director Regional Sales, Sr. Director of Sales, VP Sales, SVP Sales and SVP Sales for Sony Music Label Group.

Block holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where he once cheated on a journalism exam by looking at Bob Costas' paper.