Capitol Hill heavyweight JimKennedy is replacing Susan Tick as senior vice president of corporatecommunications at Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE).

Beginning in September,Kennedy will oversee communications strategy, media relations and issuesmanagement and will also serve as communications counselor to the executiveteam.

He will partner with SPE'sgovernment and community relations, internal communications and otherdepartments in support of their objectives, and will liaise with SonyCorporation of America and Sony Corporation on media issues.

Based at the studio's CulverCity offices in Los Angeles, Kennedy will report to SPE executive vicepresident and chief administrative officer Beth Berke.

Prior to his studioappointment, Kennedy served as a spokesman for President Bill Clinton, VicePresident Al Gore, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Joe Lieberman.

He worked at the White Housefrom January 1998 until the end of the Clinton presidency, and since 2002 hasserved as counselor and communications director for former President Clintonand the William J Clinton Foundation.

"At this time ofenormous change, challenge and opportunity in the entertainment industry, Jim'screativity and experience in strategic communications will be a real asset toSony Pictures," SPE chairman and chief executive officer Michael Lyntonsaid in a statement.

"Throughout hisdistinguished career, Jim has established himself as both an effectivecommunicator and as someone who can navigate complicated issues with clarityand vision," Berke added.