Berklee has named Jon Platt to its Board of Trustees. Platt is chair and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the leading global music publisher, where his inclusive leadership style has reshaped the corporate culture and continues to set a powerful example for the music industry. Platt’s term on Berklee’s board begins on October 1.
Since Platt’s arrival, Sony/ATV has increased executives of color within its ranks and significantly grown representation by women on its senior leadership team. He has also attracted key new signings and executive talent, as well as expanded opportunities available to songwriters. With a mantra to always put songwriters first, Sony/ATV is setting the standard on how songwriters are paid as the first music publisher to expedite foreign royalty payments.
“We’re looking forward to having Jon Platt serve on the Board of Trustees,” said Berklee President Roger H. Brown. “He is a visionary who brings strong leadership and business expertise that are essential in connecting our students to the ever-evolving music industry.”
Platt is acknowledged for his influence as a creative executive. He is widely credited for bringing hip-hop music to dominance in the music publishing industry by elevating how R&B and hip-hop artists are respected and compensated as songwriters. Throughout his career, he has signed and collaborated with prominent songwriters including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Drake, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Usher.
He previously served as chair and CEO of Warner Chappell and led the company’s turnaround. Platt also worked for 17 years at EMI Music Publishing. He has received numerous honors including Billboard’s Power 100, SESAC’s Visionary Award, Morehouse College’s Candle Award, and City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award. In 2005, he launched the Big Jon Platt Scholarship Program for high school students from his hometown of Denver, Colorado, to attend college.
