Sony Music Elevates Zeke Lewis to Epic Records Chairman-CEO, Filling Sylvia Rhone's Vacancy

Sony Music has solidified its leadership at Epic Records, appointing Ezekiel “Zeke” Lewis as the label's new chairman and CEO. The move follows a period of interim management after the departure of longtime chair and CEO Sylvia Rhone late last year. Lewis, who has served as Epic’s president since 2023, was already deeply embedded in the label's core operations, leading its A&R division and co-managing day-to-day affairs with General Manager Rick Sackheim.

Lewis's promotion from within signals a vote of confidence in his strategic vision and operational grip on the label. His tenure as president involved steering the artist development and repertoire engine—the lifeblood of any record company—while sharing executive responsibilities. This internal succession suggests Sony Music aims for continuity and stability at Epic, opting for a leader already familiar with its roster, challenges, and corporate culture rather than seeking an external candidate.

The appointment places Lewis at the helm of a major label within the Sony empire, tasked with navigating a rapidly evolving music industry. His immediate focus will likely be on sustaining Epic's competitive edge in artist signing and hit-making, while managing the financial and creative pressures inherent to the role. The stability of this leadership transition is critical for Epic's internal teams and artist relationships, as the industry watches to see if Lewis can build upon the foundation laid during his presidency and steer the label to its next phase of growth.