The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) announced yesterday that Bill Wilson will fill the newly-created position of director of Digital Strategy and Business Development. Wilson will focus on strategic digital and mobile development in the music industry.
 |
| Bill Wilson |
|
Wilson has strong links to the wireless industry from his previous role as senior director of Mobile Sales and Business Development at Atlantic Records. He worked with mobile carriers, content providers, manufacturers and software companies to provide ringtones, ringbacks, music downloads and other mobile services.
The appointment comes just after NARM revealed that its top priority in 2009 is to expand its digital and mobile footprint. Wilson will head up the “Digital Think Tank” responsible for exploring and analyzing industry objectives.
A report by Nielsen SoundScan showed that in 2008, digital music accounted for 32 percent of all music purchases. Digital rights management (DRM) will have a role in the future of mobile music, according to Wilson. “Although I am just beginning my new role at NARM, I understand that the Association’s members who are content-owners are rightfully concerned about piracy, and DRM continues to be one way to protect assets.”
“It is clear that NARM members also understand the consumer experience must be seamless and interoperable to encourage more robust adoption of mobile devices and services,” Wilson said.
Verizon Wireless and Nokia are the most recent additions to NARM’s board.