Epic Promotes Rick Sackheim, Ezekiel Lewis, Stephanie Yu to Expanded Roles

Epic Records chairman/CEO Sylvia Rhone announced three new promotions within her executive team today (March 5).

Rick Sackheim, who had been executive vp/head of promotions, has taken on the additional role of general manager at the label. In his new position, he'll oversee marketing, publicity and video productions in addition to the promotions department.

"Rick's reputation as one of the top record promotion execs in the industry is well-earned," Rhone said in a statement. "The decades that he spent learning every aspect of the game have paid off for Epic, where he has led the promotion team to its most spectacular and historic achievements over the past two years. We are fortunate to have him aboard and we congratulate him on taking over his challenging new role of GM at the label."

"It's an honor to not only work for and learn from the highly accomplished Sylvia Rhone, but to continue the legacy of Epic Records," Sackheim added. "Sylvia Rhone's success is celebrated throughout our business and the power­house roster of artists and executives that she has built will lead us into this new decade with the ferocity and determination to make another mark in music history."

In addition to Sackheim's new role, Rhone also solidified two additional executives as heads of department. Ezekiel "Zeke" Lewis has been promoted to executive vp/head of A&R -- responsible for both the A&R and A&R operations departments -- while Stephanie Yu has been promoted to executive vp/head of business and legal affairs at the label.

"Zeke has proved himself a forceful and indispensable executive many times over at Epic," Rhone said in a statement. "I have always admired his leadership skills, as well as his ability to find unique and forward-looking ways to break artists. In this fast-moving industry, Zeke is poised to take his rightful, well-earned place among our great music business starmakers." Added Lewis, "I have never been more focused or passionate about music and the continued development of our artists, both established and emerging. I look forward to working more closely than ever with the entire team to break new boundaries and constantly reach new levels."

Yu, in addition to business and legal affairs, will also oversee A&R administration, as well as new initiatives in brand marketing and sync licensing.

"Stephanie is widely respected throughout Epic and Sony Music for her all-encompassing knowledge, consummate professionalism and mastery of the most intricate aspects of the business and legal affairs sector, which she has successfully navigated for more than a decade," Rhone said. "Her experience working with the industry's biggest artists and their representatives suitably positions her to oversee these new initiatives. She remains a key pillar of our management team. This advancement is well-deserved and one of which we can all be justly proud."

"Epic continues to evolve and set the pace for popular music and culture," Yu added. "Sylvia distinguishes herself as one of the music industry's foremost change agents by consistently redefining and expanding the role of the modern record company. I am honored that she has empowered me to lead these new initiatives and excited to support her vision for the label."

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