Two Sony Australia Executives Put On 'Indefinite Leave' As Investigations Continue

News has broken overnight that two Sony Music Entertainment Australia executives have been placed on "indefinite leave". 

The report comes just a day after it was announced by Sony Music Group CEO Rob Stringer that long time Australian leader Denis Handlin AO would exit company "effective immediately". Handlin's exit came just over a week after a report emerged that Sony's US head office was reportedly "investigating claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment" within the Australian arm of the business.

As reported by The Age, Handlin's son Pat Handlin - the Australian business' vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) - has now been placed on leave while the company continues its investigations. Handlin started with the company as an intern in 2006 and has held various A&R roles both in Australia and the UK. 

Mark Stebnicki - senior vice president of strategy, corporate affairs and human resources - has also been stood down. Stebnicki has worked for the company for over 14 years, starting as a business and human resources advisor. 

The news was told to Sony Music Australia staff in a meeting on Tuesday. 

In April, Sony Music Australia's vice president of commercial music Tony Glover was fired following inappropriate behaviour allegations, including reports that he had bullied and harassed multiple staff members.

In the days since Denis Handlin's exit, further allegations of a "a toxic work environment" have emerged in a story by The Guardian. Read it here.

Additionally, an ARIA spokesperson has confirmed that "Denis Handlin is on the ARIA board as a representative of Sony Music. As he no longer works at Sony Music, he can no longer be on the ARIA board". 

His official removal or resignation is yet to be announced.