Sony Music Publishing Has announced the promotion of Katie Welle as president, head of the US A&R, as of February 1st. Welle, who last served as senior vice president of Creative for the Company, will succeed Walter Jones, who leaves Sony Music Publishing.
According to the announcement, Welle will in her new role lead the creative team when it comes to attracting the highest talent and expanding the opportunities for songwriters globally. Based on the company’s Los Angeles office, she will report to the Sony Music Publishing chairman/CEO Jon Platt.
Platt said: “Katie has an exceptional gift to identify and care for talent. Since returning to SMP five years ago, she has made significant contributions to our A&R strategy and played an important role in shaping the success for many incredible songwriters. Katie’s commitment and expertise are really invaluable to our team, and I look forward to seeing the continued effect of her leadership. ”
Welle added, “It is a huge honor to take on this role at Sony Music Publishing where I feel incredibly adapted to the great standards we have set to earn our songwriters. I am so grateful to Jon Platt for his leadership and support and to our Superstar A&R team and the phenomenal society of songwriters who inspire us every day. ”
Welle has worked closely with many SMP songwriters, including Charlie Handsome and 2024 Grammy Songwriter of the Year Theron Thomas, and Tyler, the Creator; Mussels Casino and Mikky Ekko. Her latest signings for SMP include Hitmaker Tyler Johnson and Julian Bunetta.
Welle has been with Sony Music Group’s A&R departments for two decades. She started in 2005 as A&R Assistant at Epic Records before rising to Vice President of Creative at Sony Music Publishing (formerly Sony/ATV) and Senior VP for A&R at RCA, before returning to Sony Music Publishing as Senior VP for Creative 2020.
