Napsterplans to name former Bertelsmann executive Mr Konrad Hilbers as its new chief executive today.
He will replace Mr Hank Barry, who steered the former song-swap company through its tumultuous legal battles.
Although Napster declined to comment, Mr Barry, who joined Napster as interim chief executive in May 2000, has made no secret over the past year he was looking for a replacement.
Mr Hilber's appointment is expected to be announced at Plug.In in New York on Tuesday, where many online music industry members are gathering this week, the sources said.
Mr Hilbers, who left Bertelsmann subsidiary BMG Entertainment in June after only five months as executive vice-president and chief administrative officer, was personally recruited by Mr Barry, sources said.
Prior to joining BMG's music division, Mr Hilbers was executive vice-president chief operating officer of the AOL/Bertelsmann Europe joint venture.