Sylvia Rhone Closes a Defining Chapter at Epic Records

After more than a decade of leadership, Sylvia Rhone is stepping down as Chairwoman & CEO of Epic Records — bringing to an end one of the most influential eras in the label’s history. Her departure not only marks a shift for Epic but also highlights the legacy of a trailblazer who redefined what leadership looks like in the music industry.

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Breaking Barriers to the Top

Rhone’s career has been a story of firsts. She has held senior roles at all three major record companies, but in 2019, she made history as the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a major label under a Fortune 500 company. Before that, she had already reshaped Epic’s direction as its President beginning in 2014, building a foundation that would carry the label into a new era.

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A Legacy of Hits and Culture

During her time at Epic, Rhone helped steer careers and campaigns that defined the last decade of music. Under her guidance, artists like Travis Scott, Camila Cabello, 21 Savage, and DJ Khaled reached new heights. The label also achieved milestones like placing three albums in the Billboard 200 Top 10 at the same time — twice.

But her vision extended beyond numbers. Rhone consistently championed diversity in sound and in representation, opening doors for voices that might otherwise have been overlooked. She embraced cross-genre creativity, pushed boundaries, and ensured Epic stayed culturally relevant in an era where the industry itself was rapidly evolving.

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Why This Moment Matters

Rhone’s departure resonates on multiple levels:

• Representation: Her leadership has been a symbol of possibility for women — especially Black women — in executive roles across entertainment.
• Adaptability: She successfully navigated Epic through seismic shifts in music consumption, from streaming’s dominance to the rise of TikTok as a discovery platform.
• The Future of Epic: Her exit raises the question of how the label will carry forward her legacy of artistry, innovation, and cultural awareness.

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Looking Ahead

While Rhone has not yet announced her next move, her influence is sure to extend beyond Epic. Whether she chooses mentorship, new ventures, or other creative pursuits, her track record ensures she will remain a powerful figure in music and beyond.

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Closing Note

Sylvia Rhone leaves Epic Records with a career defined by resilience, innovation, and leadership. She elevated artists, transformed a label, and inspired an industry to think bigger about representation and artistry. Her run at Epic may be ending, but her impact will continue to shape music for years to come.