Music Industry Trailblazer Sylvia Rhone Stepping Down as Chair/CEO Of Epic Records
End of an era.
At the end of this month, veteran music executive #SylviaRhone is stepping down as Chair and CEO of Epic Records, ending an 11-year tenure at the label (six of which she served as CEO). In her internal memo to staff, she reflected: “This role at Epic represents the third time in my career that I’ve been the first woman and first Black person to serve as CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company. … I am moving on from this historic role at Epic and I’m very excited about the future.”
Rhone has long been celebrated as a trailblazing force in the music business. Over her career, she led major labels, including Elektra, Atlantic, #Motown, and helped shape the careers of artists spanning hip hop, pop, rock, and R&B.
At Epic, under her guidance, the label diversified its roster (with names like Travis Scott, #CamilaCabello, #21Savage, Future and others) and climbed in market share. Her departure marks the exit of one of the few Black women ever to lead a major record company.