Sony Music Entertainment has reached out to staff in Australia and New Zealand, insisting that the higher-ups “take all concerns very seriously.” Just days after a published report addressed an emerging “toxic” culture, the music giant’s NYC-based Global Chief People Experience Officer Andrew Davis issued a company email to employees. “You have probably seen a press article over the weekend regarding our company,” reads the company-wide message, originally reported by the Daily Telegraph. “We understand this might be unsettling to you. To that end, please be reminded, there are resources available should you need them. “We also want to emphasize that our commitment to an inclusive and respectful workplace for our employees is unwavering. “We take all concerns very seriously. In everything we do, we always strive to foster a safe environment for everyone.” A spokesperson at Sony Music Entertainment in New York City declined to comment on the company note. Separately, a rep for Picken had no comment to make. As previously reported, the Sunday Telegraph uncovered claims of formal complaints that have been made about Sony Music Australia and New Zealand Chair and CEO Vanessa Picken, and that an earlier, separate investigation was launched into her behaviour, which cleared her of any wrongdoing. According to the Telegraph, some employees are said to have accused Picken of undermining senior employees, making inappropriate statements about people on maternity leave, and saying “rude and demeaning remarks” about staff. The music major reportedly engaged external counsel to conduct an investigation into those complaints, which, several months ago, ultimately found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Sony Music addressed the report. “During this chapter of significant transition for our Australian company, it is inevitable that there will be hurdles to overcome in the workplace,” reads a statement to The Music Network, issued by Sony Music Entertainment’s corporate communications team earlier in the week. “We continue to take any concerns within this environment seriously and look into them thoroughly and fairly,” the message continues. “With any type of inquiry, following our internal practices, policies, and adhering to local laws, we are conscious at all times of meeting our legal and governance obligations, respecting confidentiality and personal privacy. Any assertions made to the contrary are false.” According to the Telegraph, some employees are said to have accused Picken of undermining senior employees, making inappropriate statements about people on maternity leave, and saying “rude and demeaning remarks” about staff. The multi-national is said to have engaged external counsel to conduct an investigation into those complaints, which, several months ago, ultimately found no evidence of wrongdoing. Also, a “second tranche” of complaints were made by staff, the news title noted, including some delivered to an anonymous whistleblower hotline. Picken responded to that report. “Since my appointment in 2022, my mandate as CEO and Chair of Sony Music Australia is to lead the cultural transformation of the company. That task was urgent, complex, and central to Sony Music’s future in this region,” remarks Picken in a statement, seen by TMN. “With the support of an executive team, I have sought to implement a program of cultural reform focused on transparency, respect, and accountability and I am proud of our achievements to date. “Meaningful cultural change is challenging, but as we strive for continuous improvement across the business we are also invested in staff engagement, diversity and inclusion. “I acknowledge that there is always more to do.” Picken took the top job at Sony Music’s domestic operations in June 2022, following the well-publicised removal of Denis Handlin, who had served with the company for 51 years, including 37 at the helm. Handlin’s ouster was made public in June 2021, following a string of reports published in the national press that addressed multiple instances of a “toxic” culture and bad behaviour at Sony Music’s ANZ HQ, and the broadcast of a damning ABC “Four Corners” investigation. Davis was reportedly involved in the investigation into the company’s culture prior to Handlin’s removal, and has since visited the Australasian company. The Music Network does not suggest any of the complaints were made about Handlin personally or that the complaints made under the leadership of the CEOs are the same. Picken’s leadership was recognised in Billboard Magazine’s recently-published Global Power Players list, a nod to several deals orchestrated at the business in the prior year. With Picken at the helm, the business signed a slew of artist deals, including Sydney-based electronic trio Mansionair (to a worldwide agreement), Angus & Julia Stone, Gang Of Youths, Dylan Wright, and Birdz & Fred Leone; launched Sony Music Masterworks ANZ, a live music and experiential division; acquired DRM NZ for The Orchard; expanded Ceremony Of Roses ANZ operations in APAC; and secured a global commercial deal for Samsung featuring Tate McRae’s “Think Later” and “Guilty Conscience”.
Vanessa Picken
