Lewis joined Epic Records in 2018 as Executive Vice President, A&R, and was most recently elevated to President in 2023, where he led the A&R division while helping run the day-to-day operations of the company.
According to the announcement on Monday (March 30), as CEO, he will “direct all aspects of Epic’s creative vision and business operations, building on the label’s long-standing commitment to artist development.”
In making the announcement, Stringer said: “Through his experience and knowledge in a senior creative capacity at Epic over the last eight years, Zeke is eminently qualified to take the label forward as its leader.”
Credit: Sony Music Group
“Through his experience and knowledge in a senior creative capacity at Epic over the last eight years, Zeke is eminently qualified to take the label forward as its leader.”
Rob Stringer
Added Stringer: “Not only I am very pleased to make an appointment like this based on the executive growth of an internal candidate, but also because Zeke is highly respected and trusted by the artists and staff at Sony Music.
“I look forward to working together with him and his team on magnifying the musical vision of Epic Records.”
Lewis said: “I am truly humbled by the trust Rob has placed in me to lead this incredible label. Music has always been about the artist, their vision, their voice, their story.”
“My focus, from day one, is to make this the best home for recording artists anywhere in the world.”
Ezekiel Lewis
Added Lewis: “Everything we build here starts and ends with that belief. My focus, from day one, is to make this the best home for recording artists anywhere in the world. In a digital-first landscape full of noise and distraction, we have an opportunity to cut through and give creators something rare: a place where they are genuinely seen, supported, and set up to thrive. That is the mission, and I do not take it lightly.”
Sony Music noted that Lewis, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, has helped shape the careers of artists across genres throughout his tenure at Epic, including 21 Savage, Madison Beer, BIA, Black Eyed Peas, DDG, Future, GIVĒON, Zara Larsson, Mariah the Scientist, Travis Scott, Southside, Meghan Trainor, Tyla and others.
Prior to Epic, Lewis served as Senior Vice President of A&R at Motown Records, where he worked with Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu, Migos, Lil Yachty, T.I., and Rich Homie Quan. Earlier in Lewis’ career, his work included co-writing and co-producing hit records for Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Usher, and many others.
Lewis is the founder of Bar Music Group, a music publishing company, and co-founder of The Clutch, a songwriter-producer collective behind chart-topping projects for Omarion, Ciara, Britney Spears and others.
He has been recognized on Billboard‘s Power 100 list and is the recipient of multiple BMI and ASCAP honors.
Lewis’ appointment as Chairman and CEO of Epic Records follows the news of Sylvia Rhone’s departure from the label in September.
Rhone was promoted to Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records at Sony Music in April 2019, having previously held the position of President of Epic Records since 2014.Music Business Worldwide
