Sony Music Entertainment has named Vanessa Picken to the role of chair and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand. Reporting to Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer, she will begin her new role in September.
Based in Sydney, Picken will oversee all operations, artist signings, marketing, and business partnerships for the company, according to the announcement. She also will forge new partnerships for artists with other Sony companies and identify opportunities for artists across multiple entertainment channels such as music, TV, film, podcasting, gaming and more.
Most recently, Picken served as managing director of the independent music company [PIAS] in Los Angeles, overseeing the growth and restructure of the company’s label group and distribution business. During her tenure at [PIAS], Picken’s focus was on repertoire and campaign development, and played a key role in the success of triple BRIT award-winning artist Arlo Parks as well Day Wave, Röyskopp, Lykke Li, Mykki Blanco and Geese, among others.
