• September 11, 2007

Qtrax, an ad-supported, free and legal peer-to-peer music service, has named J. Christopher Roe chief technology officer. Roe comes to Qtrax from Interpublic Group's AFG Interactive, where he managed multiple information and communication systems across its global network.

Immediately prior to AFG Interactive, Roe served as chief information officer of NewYorkCity.com, the leading site for information about New York City hotels, restaurants, nightlife, tours and events. His technology vision and leadership helped the organization improve cost-effectiveness, service quality and business development through a series of Web initiatives.

In his new role, Roe will guide Qtrax through its launch later this year by structuring the implementation of the state-of-the-art technology that is essential to the company's unique business model, which will exploit the dynamic nexus between interactive advertising and intellectual property.

"To build the largest virtual record shop in the world requires exceptional imagination, talent and experience," said Qtrax CEO Allan Klepfisz.

"Chris's well-established reputation as a leader within the tech community makes him an extremely fitting match for Qtrax and our pioneering music discovery service. We will cannibalize the illegal services not only by providing a vastly superior form of free with much more extensive free content but also by leapfrogging them in technology."