Top Aide to CBS Chief to Go, Possibly to White House

Jay Kriegel, a top aide and strategist to CBS Inc. Chairman Laurence A. Tisch, will leave the company early next year. Kriegel, as senior vice president, oversaw policy and regulatory issues at the network, was a major behind-the-scenes force and was chief architect of an unsuccessful campaign to get cable systems to pay for the right to carry CBS’ broadcast signals.

Although some speculate that Kriegel may be headed for a senior position in the White House, Kriegel says he hopes to stay in the “telecommunications industry.” A longtime adviser to the Tisch family, Kriegel was a political consultant before joining CBS in 1988.

James L. Gray, vice chairman of Time Warner Inc.’s cable TV division, will depart by the end of the first quarter. Gray was president of Warner Cable Communications from 1986 to 1992.

CBS Entertainment has elevated two executives in the wake of John Matoian’s move to Twentieth Century Fox. Trevor Walton, director of motion pictures for television, has been named vice president of motion pictures for television and miniseries. CBS has promoted Joan Harrison to vice president of miniseries.

Jay Berman has been promoted to chairman and chief executive of the Recording Industry Assn. of America. He previously served as president.

DIC Entertainment named software developer Michael Goldstein general manager of its newly formed DIC Interactive division.

William Morris Agency promoted Michael Dowling and Sophy Holodnik to agents.

Samuel Goldwyn Television, which produces and syndicates “American Gladiators,” has named Susan Mahmalji to the newly created position of director of TV marketing. Previously, she was manager of advertising and promotion at Columbia Pictures TV Distribution.

SGT has also hired Gregg Muller as East Coast account executive and Edward Staak as Midwestern account executive.

Paramount Network Television has appointed Helen Mossler senior vice president of talent and casting.

Harris Maslansky has been named senior vice president of business affairs for Savoy Pictures Entertainment.