Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell, is leaving the major publisher, MBW can confirm.
Sources close to the situation say that Jon Platt will succeed Marty Bandier as the boss of Sony/ATV next year, officially making Platt the most influential executive in music publishing.
The move would mark a ‘tectonic’ shift in the power dynamics of the industry, said one source.
[UPDATE: Further sources have now come forward to as-good-as confirm that Platt will indeed take over from Bandier, his one-time mentor, as Sony/ATV chief in 2019.]
In his time as CEO of Warner/Chappell, Platt has grown his reputation beyond that of a hugely respected A&R specialist, establishing himself a key leader for his company and the industry at large.
Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper said in an internal memo seen by MBW: “As some of you have heard from Jon Platt, he will be leaving Warner/Chappell before the end of this calendar year. An announcement will be made in due course about where he’s headed.”
Added Cooper: “Warner/Chappell is a very different company than the one he joined in 2012, and he leaves it well positioned for continued growth and change. Our songwriters’ success in shaping the hits of today and the sounds of tomorrow is attracting a wealth of creative talent at all stages of their careers.
“At the same time, our outstanding global team is growing its reputation for always backing our songwriters with integrity and ambition.
“While we identify a new CEO, Jon will work with COO Carianne Marshall and the senior management team to ensure a smooth transition. With the Warner/Chappell U.S. team’s upcoming move to our new LA HQ, we have a great opportunity to build on our strong momentum.”
“I’ll be forever grateful to Steve Cooper and Len Blavatnik for their belief in me, and for their support. Most importantly, I want to thank you – all of you around the world – I am humbled by the support and trust you’ve so generously given me.”
Platt commented: “Our songwriters have become the standard for creative excellence. Our team has built Warner/Chappell into the strongest company it’s ever been. We’ve done it together, and we’ve done it our own way. I have no doubt that you can reach even higher.”
“WMG is an amazing company. I’ve grown so much in my time here, not only as a music executive, but as a leader. I’ll be forever grateful to Steve Cooper and Len Blavatnik for their belief in me, and for their support. Most importantly, I want to thank you – all of you around the world – I am humbled by the support and trust you’ve so generously given me.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve always put songwriters first. It’s a philosophy that has guided me well. I know you feel the same way. So I know that nothing is going to stop you from continuing the great work you are doing for songwriters.”
Platt is being honored in Los Angeles at the City of Hope Gala on October 11 – an event which will be presented by Pharrell Williams and feature talent including none other than Platt’s good friend, Jay Z.
It was already a don’t-miss event. Now it will be the hottest ticket in town.Music Business Worldwide
