Sony Music boss exits as Picken calls time on reign
The head of Sony Music operations across Australia and New Zealand is leaving after a three-year tenure at the entertainment company. Vanessa Picken, who held the positions of chair and chief executive, announced her exit following completion of her contract term that began in 2022.
Rob Stringer, the group chairman, expressed appreciation for her work advancing artist careers and supporting regional creative professionals. Picken arrived at the music label with more than 15 years of management background, having previously directed operations at independent music firm [PIAS] in Los Angeles. She oversaw organizational updates, digital platform improvements and expansion into live events during her leadership period while becoming the first woman to hold the executive role.
Prior experience included founding Comes With Fries, a digital agency and label services operation, along with managing digital strategy across multiple continents for [PIAS]. Her industry career launched at EMI Music Australia in 2006. Picken replaced Denis Handlin, who departed the company in June 2021.
