Sony Music is getting a shakeup at the top. Columbia Records CEO, Rob Stringer is being promoted to CEO of Sony Music and current chief executive officer, Doug Morris, will transition to Chairman.
The announcement was made today, Oct. 18.
The transition will happen over the next six months when Doug Morris will officially become chairman in April 2017.
"As someone who has spent his entire career at Sony Music, it is a tremendous honor to be named CEO. I would like to thank Kaz Hirai and Michael Lynton for believing in the value and power of music, and for their continuing support of me. I'd also like to extend a special thanks to Doug for both his friendship and mentorship to me personally, as well as for the great leadership and service he has provided to Sony Music," said Stringer in a statement. "This is a time of enormous opportunity and change for the music business. I am excited to work with the great team we have built at Sony Music to continue to be a champion for artists, and further adapt and grow the business as we meet the challenges ahead."
The appointment is a move to promote from within, rewarding Stringer for leading Columbia as the major label's most successful imprint. Sony Music has held its position as the second largest major in the world and Columbia has been a big part of that. Recently it has had successful releases by the likes of Beyoncé, Daft Punk, Adele, One Direction, John Legend, Barbara Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and many more.
Stringer will report directly to Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment.
"Rob Stringer is one of the most skilled and successful executives in the music industry. His efforts and achievements at Columbia have contributed immeasurably to the overall strength of Sony Music worldwide," said Lyton in a statement. "Not only is he a tremendous developer of talent and nurturer of stars who has overseen numerous massive hits, but also he is an innovator who understands how to grow revenue and market share in the rapidly changing music business. His ability to adapt to meet the needs of artists and fans in a dynamic marketplace that mixes digital audio, visual media and physical goods makes him the perfect fit to head the company moving forward. I am thrilled to have him leading Sony Music's next chapter."
There is no word on who will take throne at Columbia just yet, but that will likely be announced in the next few weeks.
