Curran in at number two at Sony BMG.

New Sony BMG chief operating officer has aspirations for the major to become number one in the industry

Former BMG Publishing chief Paul Curran is making a spectacular return to the frontline of the music industry as Sony BMG UK's number two.

Curran, who left BMG following its buyout by rival Universal Music Publishing last year, will take up the newly-created position of chief operating officer this Thursday. In the post Curran will be in charge of areas including business affairs, finance and IT, leaving Sony BMG chairman and CEO Ged Doherty free to concentrate on A&R and artist relations.

"The role involves what Ged would describe as `back office'," says Curran. "It is a large organisation, these are very important areas and the right amount of time needs to be brought to them.

"The role Ged has is very important and he needs to concentrate on where he can add value, which is A&R and artist relations."

Curran will stand down from his roles as chairman of the Music Publishers Association and the boards of MCPS and PRS after taking up the new post, although he hints that his publishing role may not be over.

"I think it is intended at some point that Sony BMG should be looking at publishing," he says. "It is not top of our list at this point but I will be looking at it."