Shock as Australia’s most powerful music boss quits suddenly – after Sony Music was rocked by claims of bullying and harassment
- Sony Music Australia chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin has resigned
- Sony Music’s global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure in an email
Sony Music Australia chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin has resigned as the company investigates its other workers over allegations of bullying and harassment.
Sony Music’s global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure of Mr Handlin in an internal email to staff at 10.28am on Monday.
‘I am writing to let you know that Denis Handlin will be leaving Sony Music Entertainment after more than 50 years with the company, effectively immediately,’ Mr Stringer wrote.
‘It is time for a change in leadership and I will be making further announcements in terms of the new direction of our business in Australia and New Zealand in due course.’
Mr Handlin is one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry who has helped bands and stars like Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy and Gang of Youths achieve international fame.
Sony Music Australia chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin has resigned as the company investigates its other workers over allegations of bullying and harassment (pictured, Mr Handlin with Jessica Mauboy)
Sony Music’s global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure of Mr Handlin in an internal email to staff at 10.28am on Monday (pictured, Mr Handlin with Alicia Keys at the ARIA Awards in 2013)
Mr Handlin is one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry who has helped bands and stars like Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy and Gang of Youths achieve international fame (pictured, Handlin with actor Hugh Jackman in 2006)
Mr Stringer went on to thank Mr Handlin for his ‘extraordinary contribution’ to the company.
The departure comes just days after it was revealed that Sony Music was investigating claims of bullying and harassment at its Australian office, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Handlin is involved in any of the allegations.
In April, vice president of commercial music Tony Glover was sacked following claims of bullying and harassment – Mr Glover has denied the allegations.
Mr Handlin quickly worked his way up the ladder at Sony Music Australia.
He was made managing director and chief executive in 1984 before rising to the role of chairman in 1996.
He has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest stars in entertainment including Hugh Jackman and singer Brian McFadden.
More to come
Mr Handlin has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest stars in entertainment including Hugh Jackman and singer Brian McFadden (pictured)
He was made managing director and chief executive in 1984 before rising to the role of chairman in 1996 (pictured, Mr Handlin with band Jamiroquai)