Sony Music ANZ Confirms Departure of CEO Vanessa Picken

Sony Music has announced that Vanessa Picken is standing down as Chair and CEO of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand after three years in the role.

Timeline:

• Picken took over as CEO and Chairman in June 2022 following the departure of longstanding CEO Denis Handlin.

• Prior she spent three-plus years with [PIAS], including two as its Managing Director, operating out of Los Angeles.

• Picken’s career began at EMI Music Australia in 2006.

• She founded digital agency and label services company Comes With Fries in 2013.

What they said:

• “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. We’ve modernized our organizational structure, enhanced our digital and marketing capabilities, and fueled new growth through experiential and licensing ventures. 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.”