Sylvia Rhone Steps Down as Epic Records Chair and CEO After Historic Six-Year Tenure

Sylvia Rhone, a pioneering music industry executive and the first Black woman to chair a major record label, announced her departure from Sony Music's Epic Records effective at the end of September 2025. Rhone has had a distinguished career spanning multiple decades and major labels, including Motown, Elektra, and Universal Motown, and has been instrumental in fostering the careers of diverse artists across genres, including hip-hop icons like Missy Elliott and 21 Savage. Since becoming Epic's president in 2014 and chair and CEO in 2019, she led the label through significant successes with artists such as Travis Scott, Future, and Camila Cabello. Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer praised her trailblazing leadership and contributions, emphasizing her role in shaping artist development and maintaining Epic's industry influence. Rhone's departure marks the end of an era, as she steps down without immediate plans for retirement, expressing excitement about future endeavors and confidence in Epic's current leadership team. The company is expected to be managed on a day-to-day basis by Epic President Zeke Lewis and GM Rick Sackheim until a successor is named.