Music industry powerhouse Sylvia Rhone has shattered the glass ceiling once again.
The 67-year old record business veteran was promoted to Chairman and CEO of Epic Records — home to hit-making pop and hip-hop acts such as Camila Cabello, Travis Scott, Future, 21 Savage, Meghan Trainor, DJ Khaled and French Montana.
In 2014, Rhone was appointed president of Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. According to the company, she will report to Rob Stringer, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, and will lead the overall creative direction and management of Epic, a label that was once home to Michael Jackson, AC/DC, Cyndi Lauper, Luther Vandross and Shakira.
The label, which relocated its headquarters to Los Angeles in 2016, still boasts veteran acts including Sade and Mariah Carey — who recently scored another Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart-topper with her 15th opus “Caution.”
“I am excited to continue my amazing journey at Epic Records supported by Rob Stringer’s vision and leadership,” the Harlem-reared Rhone said in a statement. “Everything we do is a testament to our incredible artists who set the bar of the entire Epic culture, inspiring our dedicated executive team every day and enriching the legacy of this great label.”
“Sylvia is a trailblazing and iconic executive who has played a critical leadership role in driving Epic’s recent artist development success,” Stringer said. “Her wealth of experience and passionate support of artistic vision will help us further grow the reach of Epic’s roster around the world.”
A graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Rhone previously served as President of Universal Motown Records.
In 1994, she made history as the first African-American woman to be named chairman of a major record company, with her appointment at Elektra Entertainment Group where she crafted and shaped the careers of Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Metallica, Yolanda Adams, Third Eye Blind and Natalie Merchant.
Prior to Elektra, Rhone held various senior roles at ABC Records, Ariola Records and Atlantic Records, where she was instrumental in the careers of Brandy, Gerald Levert, MC Lyte and En Vogue.
