Sony Music Entertainment has promoted industry trailblazer Sylvia Rhone to chairman and CEO of Epic Records, where she had been president for the past several years, reports Billboard.
In her elevated role, Rhone will oversee the creative direction and management of the storied label, home to Camila Cabello, Travis Scott, Meghan Trainor and DJ Khaled, among others. Rhone will continue to report to Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer, who in his announcement called her an “iconic executive who has played a critical leadership role in driving Epic’s recent artist development success.
Her wealth of experience and passionate support of artistic vision will help us further grow the reach of Epic’s roster around the world.” Prior to this appointment, Rhone held the position of president at Epic since 2014 and has shepherded several hit albums from roster artists, including Future, 21 Savage and Cabello. For eight years before joining Sony, Rhone helped guide the roster at Universal Music Group, where she was president of Universal Motown Records and executive VP at Universal Records.
From 1994-2004, Rhone was chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group’s Elektra Entertainment Group, the first African American woman to be named chairman of a major record company. Earlier in her career, Rhone held various senior roles at WMG, ABC Records and Ariola Records.
“I am excited to continue my amazing journey at Epic Records supported by Rob Stringer’s vision and leadership,” stated Rhone. “Everything we do is a testament to our incredible artists who set the bar of the entire Epic culture, inspiring our dedicated executive team every day and enriching the legacy of this great label.”
