Sony Music Publishing has promoted Shane Knotts to Senior Vice President, Global Royalites, effective immediately.
Knotts, based out of the company’s Nashville office, will continue reporting to Dale Esworthy, EVP, Worldwide Administration, according to an announcement on Tuesday (March 31).
According to the company, Knotts retains leadership of SMP’s Global Royalty Center while taking on an expanded focus on enhancing data accuracy, royalty matching, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into the company’s operations to support songwriters.
Knotts joined SMP in 1994 as a Royalty Manager and has spent his entire career at the company, most recently holding the title of Vice President of Global Royalties. His work has focused on operational efficiency, driving improvements in data management and royalty matching capabilities on a global scale.
“The growth that SMP has experienced over those years has been truly remarkable, and I am so very happy to be part of such a great team that continues to go above and beyond for songwriters.”
Shane Knotts, Sony Music Publishing
Commenting on his promotion, Knotts said: “31 years later, I am still working for such a great company, doing something that I truly love. The growth that SMP has experienced over those years has been truly remarkable, and I am so very happy to be part of such a great team that continues to go above and beyond for songwriters.”
Dale Esworthy, EVP, Worldwide Administration, Sony Music Publishing, said: “Shane’s application of lean principles and love of making everything more efficient has allowed SMP to continually handle increasing volumes of data smoothly and proficiently for our songwriters and clients. We couldn’t be happier to recognize Shane’s ongoing contributions with this promotion.”
Knotts’ promotion marks the latest across SMP after the publisher promoted Michael Riggs to Senior Vice President, Licensing & Income Tracking, in early March. Riggs also reports to Esworthy.
In February, the company promoted Greg Prata to Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Tom Kelly, who announced plans to retire after a 35-year career. That same month, SMP appointed Roslyn Pineda as President, Asia, succeeding Carol Ng, who is set to retire at the end of March 2026.
“Shane’s application of lean principles and love of making everything more efficient has allowed SMP to continually handle increasing volumes of data smoothly and proficiently for our songwriters and clients. We couldn’t be happier to recognize Shane’s ongoing contributions with this promotion.”
Dale Esworthy, Sony Music Publishing
In November, SMP promoted Dee Hale to SVP, Film & TV Administration, and Michael Young to Chief Information Officer.
The changes come as SMP carried out a series of strategic moves in recent months.
In February, SMP opened a new flagship office in the Philippines, appointing Stephanie Ortiz as General Manager.
The same month, the company entered into a global partnership with Animaj, under which The Orchard’s children’s division Magic Star will distribute recordings from Animaj’s catalogue, while Sony Music Publishing administers its publishing rights worldwide.
In January, Sony Music Publishing Nashville partnered with Domain Capital Group to acquire the catalog of Miranda Lambert.
Also in January, the company signed producer and songwriter Jon Buscema to a global publishing deal in partnership with Daniel Nigro’s Amusement venture and acquired independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music.
Music Business Worldwide
