Jon Platt is chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, the no. 1 global music publisher. Since his appointment in April 2019, Platt’s inclusive leadership style has reshaped the corporate culture and created a powerful example for the music industry.
Under Platt’s watch, Sony Music Publishing has significantly increased representation by women on the company’s senior leadership team. He has also attracted key new signings and executive talent, as well as expanded opportunities available to songwriters. With a mantra to always put songwriters first, the company is setting the standard on how songwriters are paid and was the first music publisher to expedite foreign royalty payments.
Culturally, Platt is acknowledged for his influence as a creative executive. He is widely credited for bringing hip-hop music to dominance in the music publishing industry by elevating how R&B and hip-hop artists are respected and compensated as songwriters. Throughout his career, he has signed and collaborated with prominent songwriters including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Usher.
Platt previously served as chairman and CEO of Warner Chappell and led the company’s turnaround. He also worked for 17 years at EMI Music Publishing. He has received numerous honors, including Billboard’s Power 100, SESAC’s Visionary Award, Morehouse College’s Candle Award, and City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life award. In 2005, he launched the Big Jon Platt Scholarship Program for high school students from his hometown of Denver, Colorado, attending college.