Sony Music Publishing has announced the promotion of Katie Welle to president, head of u.S. A&R, effective February 1. Welle, who most recently served as senior vice president of creative for the company, will succeed Walter Jones, who is leaving Sony Music Publishing.
According to the announcement, in her new role, Welle will lead the creative team in attracting top talent and expanding opportunities for songwriters globally. Based in the company’s Los Angeles office, she will report to Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt.
Platt said, “Katie has an exceptional gift for identifying and nurturing talent. Since she returned to SMP five years ago, she has made significant contributions to our A&R strategy, playing a pivotal role in shaping the success of numerous incredible songwriters. Katie’s dedication and expertise are truly invaluable to our team, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of her leadership.”
Welle added, “It is a huge honor to take on this role at Sony Music Publishing where I feel incredibly aligned with the standards of greatness we’ve set to serve our songwriters. I’m so thankful to Jon Platt for his leadership and support, and to our superstar A&R team and the phenomenal community of songwriters who inspire us every day.”
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Welle has worked closely with many SMP songwriters, including Charlie Handsome and 2024 Grammy Songwriter of the Year Theron Thomas, as well as Tyler, the Creator; Clams Casino and Mikky Ekko. Her newest signings to SMP include hitmakers Tyler Johnson and Julian Bunetta.
Welle has been with Sony Music Group’s A&R departments for two decades. She began in 2005 as an A&R assistant at Epic Records before rising to vice president of creative at Sony Music Publishing (formerly Sony/ATV) and senior VP of A&R at RCA, before returning to Sony Music Publishing as senior VP of creative in 2020.