Sony Music Publishing has a new head of US A&R: Walter Jones joins firm in EVP role

Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has hired Walter Jones as Executive Vice President, Head of A&R.

Jones’ appointment is effective February 22. He will be based out of SMP’s Los Angeles office and report to Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO, Jon Platt.

In his new role, Jones will oversee Sony Music Publishing’s US A&R efforts, and work closely with the firm’s Stateside creative team to support both emerging and established songwriters.

Jones was most recently Co-Head of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group.

Prior to joining UMPG as VP, Creative in 2017, Jones served as VP, Urban A&R at Sony/ATV (now Sony Music Publishing).

Over the course of his career, Jones has signed and developed songwriters such as H.E.R., Lil Baby, Quay Global, Chi Chi, Lil Yachty, City Girls, Alessia Cara, G-Eazy, A$AP Rocky, Pusha T and many more.

Jones said: “I’m so excited to join Jon and the team in this new chapter at Sony Music Publishing, where I first became a publisher.

“This is the right time, and Sony is the right place. I look forward to working closely with our A&R team to continue serving our songwriter community.”

“This is the right time, and Sony is the right place.”

Walter Jones

Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Publishing said, “Walter is a gifted A&R executive with incredible creative insight. I’ve witnessed his growth as a leader and his ongoing dedication as a mentor to new and accomplished songwriters and creatives.

“Walter’s collaborative approach will be instrumental to our success, and I look forward to working alongside him to deliver a superior level of service to SMP’s songwriters.”

“Walter’s collaborative approach will be instrumental to our success.”

Jon Platt, Sony Music Publishing

Sony Music Publishing Nashville, led by CEO Rusty Gaston, and Sony Music Publishing Latin, led by President/CEO Jorge Mejia, will continue to report to Jon Platt.

Walter Jones joins other senior recent hires at Sony Music Publishing including Roberto Razzini (MD, Italy) – who joined SMP from rival Warner Chappell Music – as well as SMP’s US-based VP of Creative, Ari Gelaw.

According to MBW’s calculations, Sony Corp‘s worldwide music publishing operation generated USD $1.72 billion in 2021, up 19.7% – or by $284 million – on the equivalent figure from 2020.

Sony Corp’s global music publishing operation is led by New York-headquartered Sony Music Publishing – which runs an international network of 38 offices – and also includes Sony’s music publishing interests in Japan.

In January, Sony Music Publishing unveiled a new a program called Songwriter Assistance, which will provide its global roster of songwriters and composers with access to free, confidential counseling services and wellness resources.

SMP represents classic catalogs such as The Beatles, Queen, Motown, Carole King, Paul Simon, Leiber & Stoller, Leonard Cohen, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC and The Rolling Stones.

The company also represents contemporary stars like Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Calvin Harris, Daddy Yankee, Gabby Barrett, Jay-Z, Ye, Luke Bryan, Luis Fonsi, Maluma, Marc Anthony, Miranda Lambert, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Sara Bareilles, Sean Love Combs, The Kid Laroi, and many more.Music Business Worldwide