So Much For That Plan: Google CIO Doesn't Even Last A Year At EMI
from the whoops dept
Nearly a year ago, we were surprised, but hopeful when it was announced that Doug Merrill, former CIO of Google was joining EMI to head up its digital initiatives. It definitely seemed like the big record labels could use a nice injection of Google-style thinking -- though, we were worried that Merrill would be pigeonholed as a "techie" rather than someone integrated into the wider strategy. And, indeed, watching EMI continue to make a series of self-destructive moves left us wondering how much influence, if any, Merrill had on the firm. Just a few weeks ago, we pointed out that Merrill should be ashamed to be associated with a company that is actively stomping out innovation left and right.Who knows what the real reason is, but it looks like Merrill didn't work out at EMI. Less than a year after taking the job, Merrill is no longer employed by EMI. Neither side is talking about why -- though EMI said something about how it's unnecessary to have a separate "digital division." That goes back to our original fears: suggesting Merrill was limited just to digital issues, rather than overall strategy. But, the fact that he's totally gone from the company so quickly suggests that perhaps he tried to shift the direction of the company and was unable to get very far. That's a loss for EMI and the big record labels, who never seem to miss an opportunity to make things worse for themselves.
Filed Under: digital, doug merrill
Companies: emi, google
