Sony Music Entertainment (SME) has hired Geoff Taylor MBE as its first ever Executive Vice President, Artificial Intelligence.
Taylor was previously CEO of the BPI – the London-based UK trade body that represents the interests of the major record companies, in addition to some independent labels.
Tayor ran the BPI from 2007 to 2022, turning his attention, amongst other things, to the industry’s fight against piracy and streaming fraud, in addition to lobbying for the UK record industry’s interests in political circles.
In his new EVP role at Sony, Taylor will report to New York-based Kevin Kelleher, Sony Music’s Chief Operating Officer; Taylor will also work closely with SME’s Global Digital Business and Business & Legal Affairs divisions.
In an internal memo today (June 23) confirming Taylor’s arrival at Sony, obtained by MBW, Kevin Kelleher wrote: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has great significance for the future of the music industry and, as a result, more focused attention on it is required.”
Kelleher noted that, in his new role, Taylor will “align and help coordinate the work of every part of the [Sony Music] business that touches AI”.
Kelleher said he was “delighted [Taylor] is joining to help us successfully navigate a key moment in the history of the music industry.”
Taylor’s arrival as EVP, Artificial Intelligence at Sony Music is confirmed just as AI is becoming an increasingly high priority for the global music industry.
Last month, Sony Music Group Chairman, Rob Stringer, said in an investor presentation: “AI promises to provide us tools so that our artists and writers can create and innovate. It also heralds greater levels of insight through machine learning, as well as potential new licensing channels and avenues for commercial exploitation. There is a lot of opportunity in this area to be excited about throughout our company.”
Added Stringer: “We are greatly aware of the challenges ahead [with AI] too. We will protect our creators on every level possible whether it be creative, financial, or legal in basis.”
Stringer continued: “I think AI will become an extremely positive tool in the artist development process. I think it will help the best creators make excellent content. But right now we’re [mainly] worried about the lowest common denominator, which is [AI’s role in] flooding platforms with endless content of a substandard nature.”
Prior to joining the BPI in 2007, Geoff Taylor was General Counsel and Executive Vice-President at our global recorded music trade body, the IFPI from 2005-2007.
Earlier this year, Taylor penned a popular op/ed for Music Business Worldwide in which he explored various areas that could drive future revenue growth for the global record industry.Music Business Worldwide
