Ezekiel "Zeke" Lewis Ascends to Chairman/CEO of Epic Records, Succeeding Sylvia Rhone

Ezekiel “Zeke” Lewis has officially been named the new chairman/CEO of Epic Records, the company announced today (March 30). Lewis, who served as president of the label since 2023, will take over from the legendary Sylvia Rhone, who stepped down last September after an impressive 11-year tenure.

Lewis's journey with Epic began in 2018 when he joined as executive vp/head of A&R under Rhone. During his time, he played a pivotal role in nurturing the careers of prominent artists on the roster, including Tyla, Travis Scott, Future, Giveon, 21 Savage, Madison Beer, and Zara Larsson.

Since Rhone's departure six months ago, Lewis has been co-running Epic alongside general manager Rick Sackheim.

Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music Group, expressed his confidence in Lewis, stating, “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.”

Lewis shared his excitement and vision for the future: “I am truly humbled by the trust Rob has placed in me to lead this incredible label. 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.”