Former MTV Exec to Run MySpace Music

MySpace Music finally has a leader: former MTV digital music executive Courtney Holt will be taking the reins beginning January 5, 2009.

MySpace Music, a joint venture between the social networking powerhouse and the four major music labels, launched back in September with major fanfare, but without leadership in place to manage relationships with the often-contentious record labels as well as steer and expand the MySpace Music brand as it (admittedly) arrives late on the digital music scene. Now MySpace Music has a leader: the company has announced former MTV vice president for digital music Courtney Holt was been appointed as president, and will take charge starting January 5, 2009.

“MySpace Music cultivates relationships between artists and fans by enabling and reinforcing music discovery both online and offline and providing the tools to customize and personalize their music experience,” said Holt, in a release. “The new company will explore different and evolutionary revenue streams that provide real opportunities for artists and the industry as a whole. I can’t wait to help build out those opportunities even further.”

Prior to MTV, Holt worked at Geffen Interscope A&M, where he was early to begin launching music artists and new releases on MySpace. At MTV, he oversaw engagement, syndication, and advertising initiatives for digital music within the MTV, VH1, and CMT brands.

Since its launch in September, MySpace Music has debuted a series of album previews and exclusive content like artist interviews, all with an eye towards drawing eyeballs to the site and generating advertising revenue. The company plans to expand into offerings like concert tickets and artist merchandise.