Kobalt has announced that after more than 20 years with the company, Chief Creative Officer Sas Metcalfe will be stepping down, effective February 28, 2023.
British exec Sas Metcalfe stepped up to the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) role in 2017.
Metcalfe was Kobalt’s first-ever employee, hired by founder and Chairman Willard Ahdritz, according to an MBW interview published in 2015.
Kobalt calls Metcalfe “a true pioneer in the music industry”.
Added the company in a press release announcing the news: “Metcalfe has not only spearheaded Kobalt to become the home to some of the most iconic and exciting writers in the world, but she has also fostered a global creative team that is almost 70% female”.
“I am very proud of what I’ve accomplished at Kobalt,” said Metcalfe.
“When I look back, I’m in awe of how much great music the Kobalt creative team has ushered into the world. But what makes me most proud is working alongside so many talented music lovers and helping them develop into great creative and A&R minds – I’d argue they are some of the best in the music industry today. Kobalt’s team is so rich with talent, and I am excited to see what awaits.
Added Metcalfe: “Overall, it has been a joy being a part of such a visionary company.”
Prior to Kobalt, Metcalfe spent eight years as Head Of A&R at Warner/Chappell in the UK, and then a further three in the same role at EMI in the UK.
Commenting on the news, Kobalt Founder and Chairman Willard Ahdritz, said: “After hiring her as my first employee, it’s amazing how far we’ve come in over 20 years together.
“Her creative taste is second to none, from her first signing of Badly Drawn Boy to Andrew Watt. She has built a great spirit in her team because she is happy to share success. All our fun moments together are what I will miss the most. I wish her all the best in her next endeavor.”
“After hiring her as my first employee, it’s amazing how far we’ve come in over 20 years together.”
Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt
Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert, added: “Simply put, Sas is one of a kind. Her impact in the music industry and at Kobalt is undeniable, as she nurtured and managed not just amazing songwriters but also built one of the best global creative teams in the industry.”
“The work that Sas has done at Kobalt will be felt for many years to come. We thank Sas for her extraordinary contribution to making Kobalt what it is today.”
Laurent Hubert, Kobalt
Added Hubert: “The work that Sas has done at Kobalt will be felt for many years to come. We thank Sas for her extraordinary contribution to making Kobalt what it is today.”
“Kobalt couldn’t have become the publishing powerhouse it is today without having a powerhouse creative leader in Sas.”
Jeannette Perez, Kobalt
Kobalt President and COO Jeannette Perez said: “Kobalt couldn’t have become the publishing powerhouse it is today without having a powerhouse creative leader in Sas.
“Additionally, she has paved the path for so many female leaders in the music industry, including myself. She is a true leader in the industry, and I want to thank her for all the positive impact she has made over the years.”
News of Metcalfe’s plans to step down as Chief Creative Officer comes four months after Kobalt confirmed that private equity company Francisco Partners (FP) is acquiring a majority stake in its business.
The buyout of Kobalt was worth approximately USD $750 million, according to people familiar with the deal speaking to MBW.Music Business Worldwide
