Sony’s Sagansky Says He Plans to Keep Studio Stable

Jeff Sagansky, who is taking a bigger role at Sony Pictures, told associates Thursday that despite rumors of possible turnover, he wants to maintain stability at the studio. The Sony of America senior executive also played down reports that his hiring is a significant step for the troubled company, saying his role is more macro than micro.

Sony of America President Michael P. Schulhof on Wednesday quietly alerted Sony Pictures management that Sagansky will play a “more active” role in the studio as a member of the Sony Pictures board of directors and executive committee. He did not elaborate.

Michael J. Montgomery will serve as chief financial strategist for the unnamed studio being formed by Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg and David Geffen.

Robert Murphy has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.

Television producer Kushner-Locke Co. named Bob Dwek as executive vice president in charge of network and prime-time television.

Stephen M. Novak, the Los Angeles Rams in-house counsel for the last six years, joined Fox Broadcasting as senior counsel, legal affairs.

Eugene Blyth was promoted to senior vice president, casting, for Walt Disney Television. Separately, John Feenie was promoted to president of the Asia Pacific region for Disney Consumer Products.

Eric Frankel as promoted to executive vice president, marketing, for Warner Bros. Domestic Pay-TV, Cable & Network Features.

Bryant Reid was appointed vice president of artists and repertoire, black music, for Atlantic Records.

Karen Elliott was promoted to vice president, worldwide anti-piracy operations, at Universal Studios.