Sony Music Australia has announced its first female CEO, Vanessa Picken; who will replace disgraced former CEO Denis Handlin. This announcement comes just shy of a year since allegations of discrimination, bullying, and harassment shed light on a toxic work culture within Sony’s Aussie team. Eventually, leading to the resignation of Handlin after a five-decade career, 37 years of which were spent as CEO — Sony’s longest-serving employee, globally.
Picken will become the company’s first-ever female boss when she steps into her new role in September. An industry veteran, Picken previously worked for EMI in Australia, launched the boutique digital agency Comes With Fries, and currently serves as the head of an influential indie label [PIAS] in Los Angeles, California.
Vanessa Picken Aims to Take Sony Into a ‘Transformative Next Chapter’
A new report claims Sony Music knew of multiple abuse allegations for decades, including years of alleged workplace abuse from ousted Sony Australia CEO Denis Handlin. https://t.co/7Ju5Ink1VM
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 13, 2021
In a statement released in response to her historic hiring, Picken states that she is “delighted to be coming home” and will “take the company into a transformative next chapter.”
She goes on to outline strategy, saying, “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.”
This will serve as a refreshing change from what The Guardian reported last June, detailing the company’s toxic “boys club” culture. Which prompted the ABC Four Corners program to expose the depth of this toxic environment, drawing attention to widespread bullying and intimidation at Sony Music Australia under Handlin’s leadership.
During his extensive career with Sony, Handlin received several awards including the prestigious Ted Albert Award from APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) for “outstanding services to Australian music,” which has since been revoked.
“APRA AMCOS is committed to fostering a music industry that upholds a high level of professional respect and conduct, and does not condone any form of bullying,” APRA said in a statement released, at the time.
“Every single participant in our music industry has a responsibility to act safely and respect others. We recognise and accept there’s still much work to do in this space. We are committed to making the decisions that need to be made and to working with the broader industry so that we can collectively bring about this shift in culture.”
Further Reading
Sony Music Investigates Australian Branch Amid Bullying & Harassment Claims
Sony Music Australia CEO Denis Handlin Departs Company After 50 Years
Former Sony Music CEO Denis Handlin Has APRA Award Revoked
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