Sylvia Rhone Concludes Illustrious Tenure at Epic Records

September 23, 2025

Sylvia Rhone to Step Down as Epic Records Chair and CEO

New York, NY – Sylvia Rhone, a transformative figure in the music business, will be relinquishing her positions as Chair and Chief Executive officer of Epic records at the conclusion of this month. The proclamation concludes a tenure marked by significant achievements and a commitment to artist progress.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Rhone’s career spans over four decades, consistently demonstrating an exceptional ability to identify and nurture groundbreaking talent. she has been widely recognized for shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for increased portrayal of women and people of color in executive leadership roles within the industry. her impact extends beyond Epic Records, influencing the broader landscape of music governance and artist empowerment.

Achievements at Epic Records

Appointed to the role of Chair and CEO in 2019, Rhone steered Epic Records through a period of sustained success. She played a pivotal role in the ascent of artists including Future, Travis Scott, and Tyla, guiding their careers to chart-topping prominence. Prior to her CEO appointment,Rhone served as President of Epic,beginning in 2014,and together spearheaded the Vested in Culture (VIC) joint venture,which will continue as an imprint of the label.

A Career defined by Firsts

Rhone’s journey began in 1974 at Buddha Records, where she started as a secretary and quickly rose through the ranks. She held impactful leadership positions at Atlantic Records, where she championed artists such as En Vogue and Brandy. In 1994, she achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Black woman – and the first woman overall – to assume the roles of Chairwoman and CEO of Elektra Entertainment Group.

Her expertise also extended to Universal Motown Records, where she served as president starting in 2004, spearheading a prosperous rebranding effort for the iconic label. Throughout her career, Rhone has consistently demonstrated a knack for revitalizing organizations and fostering a vibrant creative habitat.

Looking Ahead

As of this report, a successor to Rhone has not been identified. The music industry awaits news regarding the future leadership of Epic Records. The impact of Rhone’s leadership will without doubt be felt for years to come.

Did You Know? The music industry is currently experiencing a resurgence in vinyl sales, with revenues reaching $1.4 billion in 2023, a level not seen since 1988, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

What characteristics do you believe are most critical for success in a music industry leadership role? And how will Rhone’s legacy reshape future strategies within Epic Records?

Position	Company	years
Chair/CEO	Epic Records	2019 – 2025
President	Epic Records	2014 – 2019
Chairwoman/CEO	Elektra Entertainment Group	1994 – 1999
President	Universal Motown Records	2004 – 2009

The Evolving Role of Record Label Executives

The role of a record label executive has dramatically evolved over the past few decades. Originally focused on production and distribution, today’s leaders must navigate complex digital landscapes, streaming services, and direct-to-fan engagement strategies. Success hinges on adaptability, data analysis, and a deep understanding of artistic vision. The ability to foster long-term artist relationships and secure favorable licensing deals remains crucial,but the emphasis is now on building holistic brand experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about sylvia Rhone

• What is Sylvia Rhone known for? Sylvia Rhone is renowned for her pioneering leadership in the music industry, breaking barriers for women and people of color, and successfully developing numerous chart-topping artists.
• What companies has Sylvia Rhone led? She has held key leadership positions at Buddha Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Entertainment Group, universal Motown Records, and most recently, Epic Records.
• When did Sylvia Rhone become CEO of Epic Records? Sylvia Rhone was promoted to Chair and CEO of Epic Records in 2019.
• What is Vested in Culture (VIC)? VIC is a joint venture spearheaded by Sylvia Rhone at Epic Records, which will continue as an imprint of the label.
• What was Sylvia Rhone’s first role in the music industry? Her career began in 1974 at Buddha Records, where she started as a secretary.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts on Sylvia Rhone’s remarkable career in the comments below!

What specific strategies did Sylvia Rhone employ to foster cultural relevance at Epic Records?

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers in the Music Industry

Sylvia Rhone’s departure from Epic Records marks the end of an era. After a remarkable run, she steps down, leaving behind a legacy of artist development, strategic leadership, and a profound impact on the modern music landscape. Rhone’s career, spanning decades, has consistently broken barriers for women in executive positions within the historically male-dominated music industry. Her influence extends across multiple genres, including R&B, hip-hop, and pop, solidifying her position as a true industry icon. This article delves into her accomplishments at Epic Records and her broader contributions to music business innovation.

Rhone’s impact at Epic Records: A Detailed Look

Rhone’s tenure at Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, was characterized by a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creative freedom. She joined Epic in 2018, and quickly revitalized the label’s roster and strategic direction.

Here’s a breakdown of key achievements during her leadership:

* Artist Development: Rhone championed artists like Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Future, and SZA, guiding them to multi-platinum success. Her focus wasn’t solely on established stars; she actively sought out and developed emerging talent, recognizing potential where others might not.

* Strategic Partnerships: She forged crucial partnerships that expanded Epic’s reach and influence. These collaborations included ventures with independent labels and innovative marketing campaigns leveraging digital platforms.

* cultural Relevance: Rhone consistently positioned Epic Records at the forefront of cultural trends, ensuring the label remained relevant in a rapidly evolving music market. This involved embracing new genres and supporting artists who pushed creative boundaries.

* Revenue Growth: Under her leadership, Epic Records experienced meaningful revenue growth, driven by both streaming success and continued strong album sales.

Key Artists Flourishing Under Sylvia Rhone’s Guidance

several artists experienced career-defining moments under Rhone’s leadership. Examining these successes provides insight into her effective approach to artist management.

* Travis Scott: Scott’s Astroworld album, released under Epic, became a cultural phenomenon, demonstrating Rhone’s ability to support enterprising and groundbreaking projects.

* 21 Savage: Rhone’s support helped solidify 21 Savage’s position as a leading voice in hip-hop, with albums like I Am > I Was achieving widespread critical and commercial acclaim.

* SZA: Rhone played a pivotal role in the success of SZA’s SOS,a critically acclaimed album that broke streaming records and cemented SZA’s status as a superstar.

* Future: Continued support for Future’s prolific output and innovative sound helped maintain his position as a dominant force in the hip-hop scene.

The Broader Meaning of Rhone’s Career

Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond her accomplishments at Epic Records. Her career trajectory serves as an inspiration for aspiring music executives, notably women and people of color.

* Early Career at Profile Records: Rhone began her career at Profile Records in the 1980s, rising through the ranks to become General Manager. This early experience laid the foundation for her future success.

* Leadership at Elektra Entertainment: She later served as CEO of Elektra Entertainment, where she oversaw the careers of artists like Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and third eye Blind.

* Pioneering Female Executive: Rhone consistently challenged the status quo, proving that women could excel in leadership roles within the music industry.Her success paved the way for future generations of female executives.

* Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion: Throughout her career, Rhone has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, promoting opportunities for underrepresented groups within the music business.

lessons in music Industry Leadership: The Rhone Approach

Rhone’s success can be attributed to several key leadership principles:

1. Artist-First Mentality: Prioritizing the creative vision and career goals of artists.
2. Strategic Risk-Taking: Willingness to invest in unconventional projects and emerging talent.
3. Adaptability: Embracing change and adapting to the evolving music landscape.
4. Strong Relationships: building and maintaining strong relationships with artists, managers, and industry partners.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics to inform strategic decisions.

The Future of Epic Records and Rhone’s Next Chapter

While Rhone’s departure marks a significant change for Epic Records, the label is well-positioned for continued success, thanks to the strong foundation she established. The industry now looks to what Rhone will do next, anticipating further contributions to the music world. Her legacy as a trailblazing executive and champion of artists will undoubtedly endure for years to come. The impact of her leadership will continue to resonate throughout the music industry, inspiring future generations of leaders and artists alike.