SEATTLE, Feb. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhapsody International, owner of global music streaming provider Napster, today announced that respected media and technology industry executive Bill Patrizio has been appointed president and chief executive officer.
Patrizio brings to the role significant industry experience and strategic leadership in media and technology services, previously serving as the company's interim CEO. His leadership will support Napster's progress in embracing innovation, and delivering compelling products and services for consumers, its partners and the wider music industry.
"We're delighted to make Bill Napster's permanent CEO," said Rob Glaser and Jason Epstein, co-chairmen of Rhapsody International. "Last spring, Bill did a great job stepping in to lead Napster at a pivotal period. He has led a resurgence of the company in its new partner-oriented focus. Bill has a track record of resilience and operational success, and a passion for the industry that will lead Napster forward into its next phase of innovation and growth."
"Rhapsody and Napster are the vanguards and pioneers responsible for today's phenomenon that is the music streaming industry. It is a privilege to lead this company and define a path forward that allows us to continue to participate in the growth of music streaming and subscription services worldwide," said Mr. Patrizio. "The opportunity ahead to bring Napster's experience, superior technologies, and products to more businesses and consumers worldwide is immense. I look forward to building upon our progress to drive business growth and profitability."
Patrizio was appointed interim CEO of Napster in May 2017 to support the restructuring and repositioning of the company and to drive a new chapter of success as a global leader in streaming music services. In addition, Patrizio maintained his position at RealNetworks as president of consumer media. At RealNetworks, he was responsible for strategy and management of the company's media services and IP licensing business, new product development, growth and profitability.
Prior to joining RealNetworks, Patrizio was founder and managing director of Opaka Partners, a firm that supports private equity owners and management teams to design and execute strategies for growth and reinvention. Prior to that, he was CEO of Red Bee Media, a digital media software and broadcast services company based in the UK with operations in Europe, Asia and Australia. While at Red Bee, Patrizio successfully led a strategic turnaround of the business and delivered substantial improvement in revenue and profitability. The business, owned by Macquarie Capital, was purchased by Ericsson Communications in 2014. Patrizio has also held leadership positions at Technicolor as President of Broadcast Network Services, The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios.
About NapsterNapster is a leading subscription streaming music service and a major provider of music streaming technologies and services for businesses. Operating in 34 countries, Napster's proven technologies and unmatched music catalog also power streaming music services for some of the world's most recognized and respected consumer services companies. The Napster premium subscription service gives millions of subscribers unlimited ad-free access to the music they love anywhere, anytime and on any device – online or offline. Napster combines the iconic history of one of the most recognizable music brands in the world with the vast experience and technological platform of Rhapsody International Inc., the industry's first subscription streaming service provider. Napster is headquartered in Seattle, with offices across the U.S., Europe and Latin America, and its respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Rhapsody International Inc. Follow @Napster on Twitter and Facebook, and learn more at www.napster.com.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/639515/Napster_President_and_CEO_Bill_Patrizio.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/631756/Napster_Logo.jpg
