Jon Platt leaves Warner/Chappell, heading to Sony/ATV?

Jon Platt, US-based chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell publishing, is leaving the company by the end of the year.

Industry sources are suggesting he is heading to Sony/ATV to succeed its long-time chief Martin Bandier, whom Platt regards as his mentor.

That appointment would make him the most powerful music publishing executive in the world.

Platt served as president of creative North America for the company from 2012 and took over the top job three years ago.

His departure has announced internally by Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper.

An email sent to staff stated, “As some of you have heard from Jon Platt, he will be leaving Warner/Chappell before the end of this calendar year.

An announcement will be made in due course about where he’s headed.”

Cooper’s missive added: “Warner/Chappell is a very different company than the one he joined in 2012, and he leaves it well positioned for continued growth and change.

“Our songwriters’ success in shaping the hits of today and the sounds of tomorrow is attracting a wealth of creative talent at all stages of their careers.

“At the same time, our outstanding global team is growing its reputation for always backing our songwriters with integrity and ambition.”

Until a replacement CEO is found, Platt will work with COO Carianne Marshall and the senior management team to ensure a smooth transition.

“With the Warner/Chappell US team’s upcoming move to our new LA HQ, we have a great opportunity to build on our strong momentum.”

Platt’s comments to Warner staff did not address the Sony rumours but reminded them to always “put songwriters first”.

“Our songwriters have become the standard for creative excellence,” he wrote. “Our team has built Warner/Chappell into the strongest company it’s ever been.

“We’ve done it together, and we’ve done it our own way. I have no doubt that you can reach even higher.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve always put songwriters first. It’s a philosophy that has guided me well. I know you feel the same way.

“So I know that nothing is going to stop you from continuing the great work you are doing for songwriters.”

Platt started out as a club DJ before moving into music publishing.

At EMI, he immediately made a name for himself by acquiring the publishing rights to TLC‘s single Waterfalls, one of the biggest crossover global hits of the mid ’90s.

It reached #1 in the US and peaked at #4 in Australia.

At Warner he became a star exec, signing Beyonce, Jay-Z, Vance Joy, Pharrell Williams (pre-2010 repertoire), Taio Cruz, Aloe Blacc, Belly,teve Kipner, Nico & Vinz, Slash, Dave Mustaine, Lady Antebellum and the Roc Nation publishing catalogue.

Platt is being honoured in Los Angeles at the City of Hope Gala on October 11 – an event presented by Pharrell Williams and feature talent including Jay Z.