Sony Music has confirmed that Vanessa Picken is stepping down as Chair and CEO of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand after three years.
Picken joined the company in 2022, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience to the role.
Commenting on her departure from Sony Music, Picken said: “It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and talented company, collaborating with so many inspiring artists and their teams.
“Supporting their growth, creativity, and bold visions has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. With my term now complete, I feel this is the perfect time to embrace my next opportunity.”
“It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and talented company, collaborating with so many inspiring artists and their teams.”
Vanessa Picken
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past three years, particularly during this transformative period for our Australia and New Zealand operations,” continued Picken. “We’ve modernized our organizational structure, enhanced our digital and marketing capabilities, and fueled new growth through experiential and licensing ventures.
Picken added: “Throughout it all, we’ve placed a renewed focus on artist wellbeing and deepened their connection to the team.
“As I move on from being the first woman to hold this role, I do so with great excitement for the future. I’m confident I won’t be the last, and I hope that in the process, I’ve inspired others to follow their own paths.”
Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group, said: “We extend our thanks to Vanessa for her time at Sony Music and for her commitment to guiding our artists’ careers and championing local creative talent. We wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey.”
“We extend our thanks to Vanessa for her time at Sony Music and for her commitment to guiding our artists’ careers and championing local creative talent.”
Rob Stringer, Sony Music Group
Before joining Sony Music, Picken served as Managing Director of independent music company [PIAS] in Los Angeles, overseeing the growth and restructure of the company’s label group and distribution business.
Prior to her time as MD there, she ran Digital Strategy across America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the company’s digital activities, including digital marketing, social media and the exploitation of the organization’s audio recordings and audio-visual recordings through commercial digital music platforms.
Picken is also the founder of a digital agency and label services company, Comes With Fries.
The exec started her career in the music industry at EMI Music Australia in 2006, where she spent five years working with the label’s local and international artists, including contributing to the success of artists like Robbie Williams.
Picken succeeded Sony Music Entertainment Australia & New Zealand’s former Chairman & CEO, Denis Handlin, who exited the company in June 2021.Music Business Worldwide