Sony Music appoints Ezekiel Lewis as chairman, CEO of Epic Records

Lewis will report to Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music Group. In his new role, he is expected to oversee the label’s creative direction and business operations.

Lewis joined Epic Records in 2018 as Executive Vice President of A&R and was promoted to President in 2023, where he led the label’s A&R division while contributing to its day-to-day management.

Announcing the appointment, Stringer said Lewis was well positioned to lead the label. “Through his experience and knowledge in a senior creative capacity at Epic over the last eight years, Zeke is eminently qualified to take the label forward as its leader,” he said.

Stringer added: “Not only am I very pleased to make an appointment like this based on the executive growth of an internal candidate, but also because Zeke is highly respected and trusted by the artists and staff at Sony Music. I look forward to working together with him and his team on magnifying the musical vision of Epic Records.”

Lewis said he would prioritise artist development in his new role. “I am truly humbled by the trust Rob has placed in me to lead this incredible label. Music has always been about the artist, their vision, their voice, their story,” he said.

He added: “Everything we build here starts and ends with that belief. My focus, from day one, is to make this the best home for recording artists anywhere in the world. In a digital-first landscape full of noise and distraction, we have an opportunity to cut through and give creators something rare: a place where they are genuinely seen, supported, and set up to thrive. That is the mission, and I do not take it lightly.”

A Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, Lewis has worked with artists including 21 Savage, Future, Travis Scott, Meghan Trainor and Zara Larsson, among others.

Before joining Epic, he served as Senior Vice President of A&R at Motown Records, where he worked with artists such as Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu and Migos. Earlier in his career, he co-wrote and co-produced records for Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige and Usher.

Lewis is also the founder of Bar Music Group and co-founder of The Clutch, a songwriting and production collective. He has received multiple BMI and ASCAP honours and has been recognised on Billboard’s Power 100 list.

His appointment follows the departure of Sylvia Rhone, who had served as Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records since 2019 after previously holding the role of President.