Two Sony executives lose their gigs as rival label Universal also investigates toxic workplace allegations
Two Sony Music executives have left the Australian label amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour and a toxic workplace culture.
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Two Sony Music executives have left the Australian label as its New York head office continues an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour and a toxic workplace culture.
Staff at the label were informed on Monday that Pat Handlin, the vice-president of artists and repertoire (A & R), and human resources and corporate affairs head Mark Stebnicki were no longer employed by Sony.
The pair had been temporarily stood down since the label’s longstanding chairman Denis Handlin departed in June after 50 years with Sony.
It is not suggested that the men are accused of inappropriate behaviour as the investigation continues.
The Sony head office has yet to appoint a new leader to run the Australian operations.
Rival multinational label Universal Music is also conducting an independent review of allegations of inappropriate behaviour which recently surfaced on the Beneath The Glass Ceiling Instagram account.
Universal, which has Troye Sivan, Tame Impala, Dean Lewis and Hilltop Hoods on their local roster, has been the subject of online allegations of bullying, harassment, racism, homophobia, discrimination and most seriously, sexual assault posted anonymously on BTGC.
Universal Music Australia head George Ash, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, informed his staff in a company wide email on July 30 he had engaged outside counsel to investigate.
He also acknowledged he may have offended staff members with an inappropriate joke during a staff Zoom conference.
“As the leader of this company I take full responsibility for creating a respectful workplace culture for everyone,” Mr Ash wrote in the email to staff.
“With respect to my own behaviour, it is particularly painful to realise now that what I intended as jokes were unacceptable comments that made some of you uncomfortable.”
The Australian music industry continues with wrestle with the unravelling of systemic toxic workplace cultures not only in labels but within other arms of the business.
A Temporary Working Group established after an initial meeting of concerned industry executives in the music industry is currently fielding expressions of interest from workplace experts to develop a national strategy to kickstart a cultural change in Australian music.
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