The CEO of Sony Music in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Philip Ginthör, is leaving the major label after 18 years, MBW can reveal.
The executive (pictured) informed his team of his exit earlier today (Jan 11), in a memo stating: “I feel deep joy and gratitude, and a sustained sense of inspiration at having worked with all of you – our artists, creative minds and partners.”
News of Ginthör’s departure comes less than a month after MBW revealed that Berlin-based, ex-Universal exec Daniel Lieberberg was expected to take up a high-ranking European position at Sony in Q1 2018.
Sony’s ex-US/UK structure has been re-calibrated by Rob Stringer, following the departure of the major’s International CEO/Chairman, London-based Edgar Berger in January last year.
Ginthör, who was elevated to CEO of Sony Music GSA six years ago, said in his memo today: “A step like this is never easy – not for anyone, and not for me, either. A passion for music and a close relationship of respect and admiration with artists are at the heart of our work.
“The fascination for the inexpressible moments that music gives all of us has always been my motivation – behind every strategic and entrepreneurial step that I have taken with my great team in recent years. That is why I am leaving Sony Music full of joy about what we have achieved together.”
He added: “My greatest thanks and deepest respect go out to my closest team and the entire workforce at Sony Music in Germany, Austria, Switzerland. They make this company what it is and are the key to the successful transformation process that the industry is still going through.
“It was a great honour for me to experience and help shape this. I feel deep joy and gratitude, and a sustained sense of inspiration at having worked with all of you – our artists, creative minds and partners. I will gratefully take this energy along with me on my further journey.”Music Business Worldwide
