When Andrew Lack became chairman and CEO of Sony Music in 2003, he brought a new energy to the company. Coming from a strong background in media and leadership, Lack was known for his ability to develop talent, manage large organizations, and create innovative strategies. His arrival signaled a new chapter for Sony Music, and he quickly became a central figure in guiding the company forward.
Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group Merger
One of Lack’s accomplishments was helping lead the merger between Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group in 2004, which created Sony BMG. This move combined two major forces in the music world and gave Sony an even stronger global presence. Andrew Lack describes the synergy by saying “bringing Sony and BMG together made one and one make three,” as the merger allowed Sony to expand its artist roster and build a foundation for long-term success.
Signing Legendary Talent
Andrew Lack also made his mark by securing big-name artists for Sony. He signed Bruce Springsteen in 2005, in a deal worth about $110 million. “Springstein is in a category by himself,” Lack says. “Working with Bruce was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.”
Not only did Andrew Lack sign big-name artists, he also worked with artists earlier in their careers. When asked about which artists stood out, he said “I was fortunate enough to work with John Mayer, John Legend, and The Dixie Chicks, who are now just The Chicks.”
Expanding Into New Creative Areas
Andrew Lack pushed Sony BMG to explore creative opportunities beyond music. He encouraged the company to branch into film projects, including the launch of Sony BMG Films Cadillac Records, starring Beyonce and Adrian Brody, and Feel the Noise, produced by Jennifer Lopez. These moves demonstrated his vision for building Sony into a broader entertainment brand that could connect with audiences in more ways than one.
Preparing for the Future
In addition to artist signings and new ventures, Lack focused on making Sony Music more efficient and effective. He worked to streamline operations, cut unnecessary costs, and strengthen the company’s structure. Andrew Lack states “The biggest challenge for the music industry and one of the reasons I came to Sony was the threat that piracy was to the music industry.” These efforts helped ensure that Sony would be well-positioned for future growth.