To say Guy Hands’ tenure at EMI has been tumultuous is something of an understatement. Since he has taken over the venerable record label, it has lost Radiohead, angered many of its other artists, and now seems poised to bid adieu to the Rolling Stones. Though many in the music world have characterized Hands’ initiatives as a classic case of the white collar executive not understanding how the music industry functions, The New York Times offers a surprisingly balanced take on his effect on the company. While the article acknowledges that his moves have often alienated label talent, it doesn’t forget that the whole recording industry is going through a period of difficult change. Though removing individual label presidents have met with derision and Hands recently had to negotiate a loan extension with Citigroup, he remains optimistic about these moves, saying that success in the next generation of the recorded music is going to take “new direction, new management, and change.” Hands may never be beloved by artists or employees, but he held firm that the label needed “less arrogance and more honesty” to remain competitive in the future. [New York Times]