HITS Daily Double has the details of Don Ienner's appointment to new Sony U.S. post:

In an announcement that will surprise absolutely no one who's been paying attention, recently appointed Sony Music Entertainment Chairman/CEO Andrew Lack has placed the crown on the head of Columbia Records Group Chairman Ienner, naming him to the newly created post of Sony Music U.S. President, reporting to Lack.

In his new role, Ienner will oversee all of Sony Music's domestic labels, prominently including dual flagships Columbia and Epic, with CRG President Will Botwin and Epic Records Group President Polly Anthony reporting to him. Other labels under Ienner's aegis are Sony Classical, Sony Music Nashville, Sony Music Soundtrax, Sony Wonder and Legacy Recordings. He'll also work closely with SME's senior management team in developing and implementing strategic initiatives relating to sales and distribution, among other areas.

"Our company is home to the greatest artists in the world," Ienner continued. "They are the foundation of Sony Music, and we should all be proud of those that have spent their entire careers with our labels--some for upwards of three or four decades--as well as the younger artists who are extending the Sony labels' legacy into the 21st century. We have a responsibility to respect their creative integrity and artistic vision while finding new ways to do business. We will stay true to that philosophy as we build upon our company's unparalleled musical heritage."

He has been record exec most of his adult life:

Until 2002, Ienner did double duty as CRG President, a position he assumed in 1989 at age 36, making him the youngest President in the label's 120-year history. Ienner served in this capacity for more than 13 years, earning him the distinction of the being the label's longest-serving President. Last year, Ienner passed the mantle to longtime label exec Botwin.

Prior to joining Columbia, Ienner was Executive Vice President/GM of Arista Records. He joined Arista in 1983 as VP Promotion, and during his tenure with the label he played a pivotal role in the label's emergence as a commercial powerhouse, introducing and breaking the likes of Whitney Houston, Kenny G and Taylor Dayne, as well as furthering the careers of such veteran artists as Carly Simon, Aretha Franklin and the Grateful Dead, among many others.

Ienner began his music industry career 34 years ago in the Capitol Records mailroom while still in high school.