Thomas Hesse has his man, and he's crazy like a Fox.

Michael Paull has been named Executive Vice President, Global Digital Business for Sony BMG Music Entertainment by President Global Digital Business & U.S. Sales Hesse, to whom he'll report, based in New York.

Paull will be responsible for the development of SBMG's global digital business by working with the senior executive team in designing and implementing the company's global digital strategy. It'sll be his job to identify and develop new and innovative business initiatives and models with existing and new business partners, working closely with other parts of the organization both in the U.S. and internationally. For that, he gets to hang an autographed picture of Rolf Schmidt-Holtz in his new office.

"Michael is an experienced leader and has a proven track record of successfully identifying and developing business opportunities in the online and mobile space," commented Hesse. "With experience that spans the worlds of media and technology, he's the right executive to fill this key position. It is a pleasure to announce that he is joining the company. Whaddaya mean he wants his own parking space?"

"Sony BMG has developed an impressive reputation for innovation and leadership in the digital realm, and I look forward to working closely with Thomas, and the entire Global Digital Business team, as we build on their many successes, develop new strategies that maximize the reach of SBMG's artists and projects, and further build the company's presence across both mobile and online platforms," commented Paull. obviously in need of an editor.

Paull previously served with Fox Entertainment Group as SVP Corporate Development and Strategy for Fox Mobile Entertainment and Jamba. In that role he oversaw new business development, strategic partnerships, joint-ventures, new market development, corporate acquisitions and investments and had the niftiest BlackBerry of all his peers.

From 2003-'07, he worked with Sony Pictures Entertainment, joining as VP Business Development and subsequently working his way up to SVP Digital Services and Distribution, managing corporate development and business development teams in support of the company's Corporate, Home Entertainment and Television/Digital Services and Distribution divisions. He was also responsible for business development and corporate acquisitions and for the distribution of films, television shows, games and channels to broadband providers, retailers, ISP's, hardware manufacturers and mobile carriers. He has never played Grand Theft Auto.

Prior to that, Paull held executive positions at Time Warner and Artisan Entertainment and spent his early career as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group and Price Waterhouse, where he first learned to count using fingers and toes.

He graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School.