Sony Music Australia and New Zealand boss Vanessa Picken is stepping down after almost three years in the top job, with the company confirming her departure today.
Picken, who served as CEO and Chair, is understood to be finishing up effective immediately.
“It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and talented company, collaborating with so many inspiring artists and their teams,” Picken said in a statement on Monday.
The statement continued: “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.
“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 modernised our organisational structure, enhanced our digital and marketing capabilities, and fuelled 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.”
A background marked by scandal
Picken took the top job at Sony Music’s domestic operations in June 2022, following the well-publicised removal of Denis Handlin, who had served with the company for 51 years, including 37 at the helm.
Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group, added: “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.”
In August, reports emerged that formal complaints had been made about Picken and an investigation into her behaviour was launched, which cleared her of any wrongdoing.
“During this chapter of significant transition for our Australian company, it is inevitable that there will be hurdles to overcome in the workplace,” reads a statement to The Music Network (TMN) issued by Sony Music Entertainment’s corporate communications team in New York.
“We continue to take any concerns within this environment seriously and look into them thoroughly and fairly,” the message continues. “With any type of inquiry, following our internal practices, policies, and adhering to local laws, we are conscious at all times of meeting our legal and governance obligations, respecting confidentiality and personal privacy. Any assertions made to the contrary are false.”
According to the Telegraph, some employees are said to have accused Picken of undermining senior employees, making inappropriate statements about people on maternity leave, and saying “rude and demeaning remarks” about staff.
The major music company reportedly engaged external counsel to conduct an investigation into those complaints, which, several months ago, ultimately found no evidence of wrongdoing.
“Since my appointment in 2022, my mandate as CEO and Chair of Sony Music Australia is to lead the cultural transformation of the company. That task was urgent, complex, and central to Sony Music’s future in this region,” Picken said in a statement, seen by TMN at the time.
“With the support of an executive team, I have sought to implement a program of cultural reform focused on transparency, respect, and accountability and I am proud of our achievements to date.
“Meaningful cultural change is challenging, but as we strive for continuous improvement across the business we are also invested in staff engagement, diversity and inclusion.
“I acknowledge that there is always more to do.”