Sony Music Australia Names New CEO

Almost one year after the departure of Denis Handlin, former Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand, the company has announced his replacement.

Vanessa Picken will assume the role of Chair and CEO in September, overseeing all operations, artist signings, marketing, and business partnerships, reporting directly to Sony Music Group Chairman, Rob Stringer.

In a statement released today, Sony Music said that Picken would “forge new partnerships for artists with other Sony companies and identify opportunities for artists across multiple entertainment channels such as music, TV, film, podcasting, gaming and more”.

Stringer said that the appointment followed a “careful and thorough recruitment process”.

“Her impressive background covers so many areas of the modern music business in Australia and New Zealand and her recent leadership experience in the United States adds a global understanding to those existing skills,” he stated.

“We believe Vanessa will be a trailblazing executive leading Sony Music Australia to an exciting future.”

Picken added: “I’m delighted to be coming home to join Sony Music Australia and New Zealand to take the company into a transformative next chapter. Our strategies will focus on music, allyship, and innovation, with a global mindset.

“Sony Music has a renowned reputation for empowering its artists and creators, breaking down traditional barriers to put them at the centre of everything it does. We will reaffirm our commitment to the discovery and development of new and emerging talent across both countries, as well as expanding the commercial and creative opportunities for our roster of artists locally and internationally.”

Currently based in LA and working as Managing Director of independent global music company [PIAS], Picken will relocate to Sydney for the new role.

After getting her start with EMI Music Australia in 2006, Picken founded Comes With Fries in 2013, a digital agency and label services company that has worked closely with the likes of Powderfinger, Placebo, Jessica Mauboy and more.

Last June it was revealed that Sony Music's US head office was "investigating claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment" within the Australian arm of the business.

Later that month it was announced that Handlin would exit the company "effective immediately". 

Further misconduct allegations then emerged via a Four Corners investigation that aired in October. The program - titled Facing The Music - focused on the global label's Australian offices with former employees detailing their experiences to "expose a toxic workplace culture" under the leadership of Handlin.