Chief Named at New Sony Division

Sony Pictures Entertainment named Bruce Stein, head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, president of its new consumer products marketing group.

Stein had headed the interactive unit, working on such products as the company’s PlayStation video game unit, since late last year.

In his new job, Stein is expected to work on enhancing the Sony brand name. Sony Signatures, a merchandising and licensing unit of the company, will become part of Stein’s new group.

* Michael Ovitz, president of Walt Disney Co., will receive the UCLA Medal during a ceremony at the School of Medicine today. Ovitz, who earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA, has been a longtime contributor and fund-raiser for the medical school and has served on several university boards.

* DreamWorks SKG named former Hasbro executive Simon Spalding to head the studio’s European consumer products group.

* Sol Rosenthal, longtime head of the entertainment law practice at Buchalter, Nemer, Fields & Younger, has become of counsel with the law firm Blanc, Williams, Johnston & Kronstadt in Century City.

* Actor Martin Landau has formed Silver Street Pictures along with producer Richard Abramson, entertainment executive Billy Mancini, financier Gustavo Spoliansky and businessman William J. Bateman. The company has a multi-picture deal with MGM/UA Distribution and Largo Entertainment.