Bebo Gets Gambino For Music Push

Social networking website Bebo has hired Angel Gambino, a former senior executive at MTV, to the position of vice president of music in a move to expand the site’s appeal.

The company’s international president Joanna Shields has reportedly already admitted to having rival website MySpace in her sights, which according to Nielsen/NetRatings reports a far higher level of unique users in the UK than its competitor.

The appointment follows the launch of Bebo Bands in July last year, a section of the site that encourages artists to interact with the community and showcase their music, similar to one of MySpace’s main functions.

Around 450,000 acts are said to have already signed up to the service, which includes a mix of undiscovered artists and already established acts.

Gambino’s new remit will include helping the site forge relationships with international record labels and artists and to oversee the launch of a range of new features to help users listen and buy tracks more easily.

She will be drawing upon her experience as VP, commercial, strategy and digital media for Viacom UK, where she was responsible for MTVN’s business strategy across 11 channels, including MTV, VH1, TMF and Nickelodeon.

Bebo: http://www.bebo.com