New York, NY – November 5, 2018 –  Sol Rashidi has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer, Sony Music Entertainment, it was announced today.

In this newly created role, Rashidi will be responsible for building and leading a global team focused on further advancing Sony Music’s data strategy and capabilities around the world, and developing business intelligence and technology solutions for use across the company’s labels and business units. This includes building and overseeing predictive tools and analytics platforms to enhance Sony Music’s capabilities in artist and partner solutions, commercial strategy, marketing, and A&R.

She is based in New York and reports to Dennis Kooker, President, Global Digital Business and U.S. Sales.

Stated Kooker, “We are thrilled to have Sol leading our newly created global Data Strategy team.  Data and analytics now play a vital role in all phases of our business, and we are committed to investing in the skill sets and technologies that enhance our leadership in this critical area. Sol’s expertise in developing data insights that shape strategic thinking and drive business solutions will allow us to further enhance our opportunities with the creative community, our business partners and fans around the world.”

Stated Rashidi, “I am very excited to be joining Sony Music at a time when the music industry is undergoing a huge transformation driven by technology and data. I look forward to working with many of the talented executives across the organization to enrich the data-centric strategies that deliver actionable insights for enhancing service to Sony Music’s artists and business partners, growing commercial opportunities, identifying talent and reaching music fans.”

Rashidi joins Sony Music from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Ltd., where she has served as Chief Data and Cognitive Officer. During her time with Royal Caribbean, she was focused on expanding the company’s data focus and leveraging the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, bots, and cognitive services to enhance the customer experience. Previously, she was a partner in the Data & Analytics practice at Ernst & Young LLP, working with CEOs and CIOs to develop strategies and roadmaps in the artificial intelligence, information technology, and information management space.  Prior to that she spent over seven years with IBM, where she was a part of the first generation of leaders taking WATSON to market. She currently holds seven patents in the information management space.

Rashidi has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and dual MBAs in Business Administration and Strategy & Leadership from Pepperdine University.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Records, Arista Nashville, Beach Street Records, Black Butter Records, BPG Music, Bystorm Entertainment, Century Media, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Descendant Records, Disruptor Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Essential Worship, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, House of Iona Records, Insanity Records, Keep Cool, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Masterworks Broadway, Ministry of Sound Recordings, Monument Records, OKeh, Palm Tree Records, Polo Grounds Music, Portrait, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records Relentless Records, Reunion Records, Same Plate Entertainment, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music and Verity Records. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.