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Jon Platt to leave Warner/Chappell, rumoured to be joining Sony/ATV

By | Published on Monday 17 September 2018

Warner/Chappell

Jon Platt will step down as Chair and CEO of Warner’s music publishing business Warner/Chappell before the end of the year, it has been announced. It’s now rumoured that he’s set to replace Marty Bandier in the top job over at rival publisher Sony/ATV.

In a memo to staff, Warner Music Group CEO Stephen Cooper praised Platt for his work since joining the company as President in 2012. He took on the CEO position in 2015.

“I know that many of you, like me, will be sorry to see Jon go”, Cooper wrote. “He’s one of the industry’s finest – principled, driven and compassionate. 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”.

Cooper added: “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”.

In his own memo, Platt said: “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 [boss of Warner owner Access Industries] Len Blavatnik for their belief in me, and for their support”.

He went on: “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”.

Cooper also confirmed that Platt will stay on to assist Warner/Chappell COO Carianne Marshall in finding a new CEO for the company. Given that Marshall is the hot favourite to succeed him, this shouldn’t take too long.

According to Billboard, Platt has been released from his Warner contract two years early in order to go and take up his new role. Various sources point to him taking the top job at Sony/ATV next year, although he, Warner/Chappell and Sony/ATV are all currently tight-lipped on the matter.



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