Seattle - Starbucks (NYSE: SBUX) announced on Friday that it is restructuring the entertainment side of its business, and, after just a year at the helm, will turn over management of its Hear Music record label to partner Concord Music Group. In connection with the change in strategy, Ken Lombard, SVP and president of Starbucks Entertainment, has left the company to pursue other business interests, while chief technology officer Chris Bruzzo was promoted to SVP and head of the Entertainment group.

"As part of our ongoing transformation, we are committed to examining all aspects of our business that are not directly related to our core," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks.

"We have had numerous successes in music and books including eight Grammy Awards and three No.1 books on the New York Times bestseller list. However, now is the appropriate time to restructure our Entertainment business to better align our efforts with our overall business strategies."

The company said it will continue its relationship with the William Morris Agency, both to identify potential book projects, and more general opportunities in the entertainment space.

Starbucks also announced a new deal with AT&T (NYSE: T) as its U.S. Wi-Fi provider, and a feature where AT&T broadband subscribers on qualifying plans will be able to access the Internet at more than 7,000 Starbucks at no additional charge.

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http://www.hearmusic.com