Company Town : Peter Asher to Be Tapped by Sony Music

Longtime music industry figure Peter Asher, whose career has ranged from pop star to managing such artists as Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, is expected to be named a senior vice president with Sony Music Entertainment as early as this week.

Asher will report to Sony Music President Thomas D. Mottola, and will be based in New York.

Asher, 50, began his music career in 1964 during the “British invasion” as part of the duo Peter & Gordon, which had such hit songs as “I Go to Pieces,” “A World Without Love” and “Lady Godiva.”

He later became an executive for the Beatles’ Apple Records. As a manager in the 1970s, he guided the careers of such singers as Taylor and Ronstadt. He also is a Grammy-winning producer.

In an interview, Asher said the position is initially a “generally defined job,” but he said he will be involved with all of Sony Music’s labels, developing artists as well as serving as an exclusive producer to the company.

Asher plans to turn over the reins of his Peter Asher Management, which handles such clients as Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, Ronstadt and Taylor, to Ira Koslow, who has been a senior vice president with the firm.

* Film producer Morgan Creek Productions elevated Gary Barber, its chief operating officer, to vice chairman and signed Barber for an additional five years.

Barber’s contract will run through 1999. Barber played a key role in Morgan Creek’s distribution deal with Warner Bros., as well as securing film financing through banks and joint ventures. He also helped form Morgan Creek Music Group.

* Ticketmaster named Andi Poch as vice president, sponsorship and promotion.

She previously was vice president of advertising sales at Madison Square Garden.