The music industry’s landscape shifted dramatically this week as Sylvia Rhone, the last remaining woman CEO among major record labels, announced her departure from Epic Records. Her exit marks more than just a corporate reshuffling — it’s the closing of a remarkable chapter that stretches from the vinyl era through the streaming revolution.
Let’s be real: breaking one glass ceiling is impressive enough. Rhone shattered three of them. As the first woman and first Black person to helm a major label owned by a Fortune 500 company, she didn’t just climb the corporate ladder — she rebuilt it entirely.
“I started when vinyl ruled, and women weren’t even considered for vice-presidential roles,” Rhone reflected in her farewell memo. That’s putting it mildly. Her journey from secretary at Buddha Records to industry titan reads like a masterclass in determination, though she’d probably brush off such grand comparisons with her characteristic humility.
Epic Records flourished under her watch. The label’s roster reads like a playlist of the 2020s’ biggest hits — Travis Scott dropping culture-shifting albums, 21 Savage redefining rap’s boundaries, Meghan Trainor and Camila Cabello dominating pop charts. But Rhone’s influence runs deeper than just Epic’s success.
Through stints at Atlantic, Elektra, and Universal Motown, she orchestrated what she describes as “a cultural renaissance.” That’s not hyperbole. Think about it: Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking videos playing alongside Metallica’s thunderous anthems? That’s pure Rhone — seeing possibilities where others saw contradictions.
Her artist roster tells its own story. From Pantera’s raw energy to Phish’s experimental jams, from Tracy Chapman’s soul-stirring lyrics to Anita Baker’s velvet vocals — each artist developed their unique voice under her guidance. In an industry obsessed with formulas, Rhone championed authenticity.
Rob Stringer, Sony Music Group’s chairman, got it right when he noted her adaptability. As the industry lurched from physical to digital to streaming (and now, in early 2025, grappling with AI-generated music), Rhone didn’t just keep pace — she helped set it.
Perhaps her most lasting impact lies in Epic’s transformed corporate culture. Under her leadership, the label achieved what many considered impossible: a staff comprising 62% women and 57% people of color. These aren’t just statistics — they’re proof that change is possible when someone’s brave enough to lead it.
Her timing feels significant. The music industry stands at another crossroads, wrestling with AI’s implications, streaming economics, and rapidly evolving consumer habits. “Right now, music’s DNA is being reimagined,” Rhone observed, capturing the mixture of challenge and opportunity that defines the current moment.
While Epic hasn’t named a successor (though rumors are swirling through industry corridors), Rhone’s influence will echo through the next generation of music executives. Her collection of accolades — from Billboard honors to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list — tells only part of the story. As she noted herself, these achievements “pale beside what we’ve all built together.”
In an industry that often treats both artists and executives as disposable, Rhone’s departure feels different. It’s not just about losing a CEO — it’s about recognizing how one person’s vision can transform an entire industry. Her legacy isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about ensuring they stay broken.