Sony Music Publishing Names Katie Welle President and Head of U.S. A&R

Sony Music Publishing Names Katie Welle President and Head of U.S. A&R

Sony Music Publishing has promoted Katie Welle to president and head of U.S. A&R, the company announced Tuesday.

In her new role, Welle will lead SMP’s creative team “in attracting top talent and expanding opportunities for songwriters globally,” according to a release. Taking effect Feb. 1, Welle will replace Walter Jones, who is leaving SMP.

Welle, who will report to SMP chairman and CEO Jon Platt, most recently served as the publishing company’s SVP of creative. “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,” Platt said in a statement.

Welle began in the music industry as an A&R assistant at Epic Records before eventually rising to VP of creative at SMP and SVP of A&R at RCA before eventually returning to Sony in 2020.

“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,” Welle said in a release. “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.”

The newly minted president and head of U.S. A&R has had long-term creative relationships with Tyler, the Creator and Clams Casino and Mikky Ekko, along with playing an important role in the careers of Charlie Handsome and Grammy-winning songwriter of the year Theron Thomas.

Welle will be based in the company’s Los Angeles office. The space in Hollywood’s Sycamore media district has been described as “a Disneyland for songwriters.”