Sylvia Rhone, a pioneering executive in the music business, is stepping down as Chair and CEO of Epic Records, effective at the end of September 2025. Her departure ends an 11-year association with the label, six of those years in her current top leadership role.
A Legacy of Firsts and Chart-Topping Success
Rhone became Chair and CEO of Epic Records in 2019. Prior to that, she served as its president beginning in 2014. Over her tenure, Epic saw major commercial success. Rhone oversaw multiple No. 1 albums and singles, working with artists including Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Future, and Tyla.
Her career spans many decades and includes breaking barriers. She was the first Black woman to chair a major record label under a Fortune 500 company. She has repeatedly been noted for her role in expanding genre diversity and promoting artists across rap, hip-hop, R&B, pop, and beyond.
In a staff memo, Rhone said she is “moving on from this historic role at Epic” and that she remains “excited about the future” following the transition. The note did not indicate whether she plans to retire.
Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer offered strong praise for Rhone’s work. “Sylvia has adapted and embraced change, time and time again,” he said. “She has made history, guided some of the biggest artists, and her influence is rooted in an understanding of music’s power to connect with people.”
He added that working with Rhone has been “an honor” and urged the label’s team to build upon her achievements.
As of now, Epic has not named a successor to fill Rhone’s role. The company said it will inform employees about leadership changes in due course.