Veteran music giant, Sylvia Rhone, the first woman and first Black person to lead a major record company, is stepping down from her post as chairman and CEO of Epic Records. Rhone was first named chair and CEO of the label back in 2019, after a five year stint as Epic’s president starting in 2014. In her tenure at Epic, she oversaw one of the most influential rosters in hip-hop, working with artists including Travis Scott, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, Future and more.

“As I step away from this role that has defined so much of my journey, I am filled with pride in the extraordinary tapestry we’ve created together,” Rhone wrote in a memo to her staff. (SEE FULL MEMO BELOW)

“Thank you for trusting me with your brilliance. Thank you for making every day feel like the first time music was invented. Thanks to Rob Stringer for his trust and camaraderie.”

 

Sony Music Entertainment CEO, Rob Stringer Wrote:

Today, I want to reflect on the extraordinary career of Sylvia Rhone. In an industry defined by its constant evolution, Sylvia has adapted and embraced change, time and time again. Her journey is more than just a list of accomplishments. She is a trailblazing executive with a distinguished background and unwavering commitment to supporting artists.

She has made history, including becoming the first woman to be named Chair of a major record company, and guided some of the most prominent artists in our business across every genre. Sylvia’s influence is rooted in an understanding of music’s power to connect with people.

And as Chairwoman and CEO of our Epic Records, she has shepherded No. 1 chart successes with 21 Savage, Future, Travis Scott, and Tyla, among others.

It has been our honor to work with a true icon, and our collective responsibility to continue to build on her work at Epic Records.

Thank you, Sylvia, for your leadership and inspiration.

 

 

From Sylvia Rhone

 

TO MY EPIC FAMILY,

As I step away from this role that has defined so much of my journey, I am filled with pride in the extraordinary tapestry we’ve created together. From Future to Travis Scott to 21 Savage, Meghan Trainor, Tyla, Madison Beer, Giveon, Zara Larsson, Mariah the Scientist, ScarLip, BIA, UMI, Real Boston Richie, the late, great Ozzy Osbourne and more.

At this pivotal time in music history, your voices have not just survived; they have soared. Your creativity doesn’t just fill rooms and bottom lines—it fills the spaces between heartbeats, just when the world needs reminding that the soul of music still exists.

Together, we’ve scored the soundtrack to countless lives. We’ve given voice to the voiceless and rhythm to the restless. Your contributions haven’t just shaped our catalog—they’ve shaped culture itself. Every late night in the studio, every “what if we tried this,” every moment you pushed past the comfortable into the extraordinary— these are the building blocks of our legacy.

Thank you for trusting me with your brilliance. Thank you for making every day feel like the first-time music was invented. Your voices make a difference. Your creativity makes a difference.

You make a difference.

The stage is yours now. Make it sing.

WITH BOUNDLESS GRATITUDE AND ADMIRATION TO:

Adrienne Assip, Alaina Lester, Ale Stavinsky, Angela McMonagle, Ash Taylor, Asha Solai, Audrey Jackson, Ayanna Wilks, Bella Puljiz, Brandon Gray, Brian Deoleo, Candice O’Connor, Carson Helton, Chelsea Donnaruma, Christina Serednicki, Cleo Riley, Courtney Alves, Dalia Glickman, Dave Bell, Derek Sherron, Dontay Thompson, Eric Taylor, Fernando Carbonell, Gina Harrell, Gini Strobel, Hailey Harris, Hector Rosario, James Closs, Jan Mecham, Javi Reyes, Jennifer Goicoechea, Jim Kelley, Joan Gil, Jo Ann Stewart, John Kirkpatrick, John Shoup, Jonathan Ayaz, Jonathan Orellana, Julia Morales, Justin Duran, Kacie Anderson, Kaila Sahagun, Ken Matsuda, Kennedy Hammock, Leah Walton, Lisa Kasha, Manny Ornantes, Margeaux Watson, Melissa Thomas, Melissa Victor, Mez Tara, Michael Petullo, Michelle Hockett, Miles Catalano, Ose Djan, Pasha Eram, Pat Afeku, Rebecca Torres, Rick Sackheim, Samara Cohen, Sandra Aflorei, Scotty Dimig, Shannon Mingal, Shweta Desai, Stephanie Pilla, Steve Campbell, Surmon Neal, Sydney Foster, Taylor Testa, Tina Ibanez, Tory Huber, Traci Adams, Travis Nuckles, Tyler Pittman, Vivian Yohannes, Zeke Lewis

Sylvia ❤️