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Technology transfer: Cookson joins Sony - January 2, 2008

Sony made it official today, formally announcing that long-time Warner Bros. technology wrangler Chris Cookson is joining the Japanese giant. Cookson, a pivotal player in many inter-industry discussion groups, technical standards-setting bodies and consortia, will carry the title, president of Sony Pictures Technologies, a newly created position reporting to Michael Lynton, chairman/CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and co-chairman Amy Pascal. One of his chief duties will be to serve as principle liaison between Sony Pictures and Sony Electronics, two sister companies that at times (literally) don't speak the same language. That role is also a new one for Sony.

Cookson had been at Warner since 1992, rising to chief technology officer in 1999. At times, that put him on the opposite side of industry issues from his new colleagues at Sony, such as in the development of the original DVD format (in which the technology from Toshiba and Warner Bros. largely won out over technology from Sony), and in the development of high-definition DVD formats (Warner was once a strong supporters of an HD DVD-only strategy). Cookson's contract was coming up for renewal toward the end of 2007. Word is he was being offered a new position at Warner Bros., with a bigger-sounding title but perhaps less interesting responsibilities for a guy with an engineering background.

At Sony, he'll be responsible for development of all of the studio's technology policies and processes.

"Technological changes are reshaping the business model of the entire entertainment industry, and Sony Pictures aims to be at the forefront of this revolution," Lynton said in a statement. "Chris Cookson’s long career in the technological end of the entertainment business gives him the kind of wisdom and experience we need at this crucial moment in our studio’s history."

With his move to Sony, Cookson has stepped down from his post as chairman of the DVD Copy Control Assn., the inter-industry body responsible for administering the CSS license governing copy-protection on DVDs. He will be replaced in that role by Dean Marks, senior IP counsel for Warner. Sony Pictures will continue to be represented on the board by CTO Mitch Singer, who now reports to Cookson.

Cookson will make his first appearance in a Sony uniform at CES in Las Vegas next week.





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