Sony Music is addressing renewed employee concerns following a new wave of complaints against its Australian chief executive, Vanessa Picken. These allegations, detailed in a report by The Sunday Telegraph, accuse Picken of fostering a “toxic workplace culture.” The complaints have come from employees, some of whom utilized Sony’s anonymous whistleblower hotline. As of now, these allegations have yet to be investigated and remain unverified.
In response, Andrew Davis, Sony Music’s global chief people experience officer, sent a company-wide email to reassure staff about available support services. “We take all concerns very seriously,” Davis emphasized, reiterating the company’s commitment to fostering “an inclusive and respectful workplace.” He encouraged employees to focus on their primary mission: supporting artists.
This latest round of complaints follows an earlier investigation conducted by external legal counsel. That inquiry looked into separate allegations against Picken and ultimately found no evidence of wrongdoing. Those complaints included accusations of undermining senior staff and making inappropriate remarks towards employees, some of whom were on maternity leave.
Picken, who made history as the first woman to lead a major record label in Australia when she was appointed CEO and chair in 2022, has publicly defended her leadership style. In her statement, she acknowledged the challenges of implementing “urgent and complex cultural transformation” at Sony Music Australia. “Meaningful cultural change is challenging,” she remarked, expressing pride in the progress made while recognizing that there is always more work to be done.
Sony Music Entertainment, headquartered in New York, issued a statement affirming its commitment to reviewing all matters “thoroughly and fairly.” The company rejected claims that it mishandled previous investigations into workplace culture issues.
Picken’s leadership has coincided with a significant transition for Sony Music, particularly following the 2021 dismissal of long-serving CEO Denis Handlin. This dismissal came under scrutiny amid allegations regarding the company’s workplace culture. While Sony’s global leadership positioned Picken as a fresh start for the organization, over 20 staff members have departed since her appointment, including several senior executives.
As the situation evolves, Sony Music has chosen not to comment further on the recent allegations. The ongoing scrutiny of Picken’s leadership could impact the company’s efforts to reshape its internal culture while maintaining its reputation in the competitive music industry.
