Epic Upgrade For Ezekiel Lewis
• Sony Music has promoted Ezekiel “Zeke” Lewis to Chairman & CEO of Epic Records. A Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, Lewis has served as President of Epic Records since June 2023, leading the label’s A&R department while also overseeing the label’s day-to-day operations alongside GM Rick Sackheim since longtime Chair & CEO Sylvia Rhone stepped down late last year.
Lewis reports to Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer, who remarked, “Through his experience and knowledge in a senior creative capacity at Epic over the last eight years, Zeke is eminently qualified to take the label forward as its leader. Not only I am very pleased to make an appointment like this based on the executive growth of an internal candidate, but also because Zeke is highly respected and trusted by the artists and staff at Sony Music. I look forward to working together with him and his team on magnifying the musical vision of Epic Records.”
Prior to joining Epic Records as EVP of A&R in January 2018, Lewis spent six years as SVP of A&R at Motown Records. His career credits included co-writing and co-producing artists such as Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige and Usher. He has also played an instrumental role in the careers of Mariah Carey and Yo Gotti. In 2010, Lewis founded Bar Music Group, a music publishing company. A musician in his own right, Lewis signed with David Foster‘s 143 Records and went on to play a key role in Trey Songz‘s successful career. In 2004, Lewis co-founded The Clutch, a collective of songwriter-producers responsible for hits by Omarion, Ciara, Britney Spears, Timbaland and others.
“I am truly humbled by the trust Rob has placed in me to lead this incredible label,” Lewis said. “Music has always been about the artist, their vision, their voice, their story. Everything we build here starts and ends with that belief. My focus, from day one, is to make this the best home for recording artists anywhere in the world. In a digital-first landscape full of noise and distraction, we have an opportunity to cut through and give creators something rare: a place where they are genuinely seen, supported, and set up to thrive. That is the mission, and I do not take it lightly.”
