Two more Sony Music Australia executives have been stood down following the abrupt departure of long-serving chairman Denis Handlin on Monday.
Handlin’s son Pat Handlin, the vice president of artists and repertoire, has been placed on indefinite leave, as has senior vice president of human resources Mark Stebnicki, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
Handlin Jnr, who is engaged to Sony Music artist Samantha Jade, had joined the company in 2006 as an intern before rising up the ranks to A&R boss.
Exit: Two more Sony Music Australia executives have been stood down following the abrupt departure of long-serving chairman Denis Handlin (pictured) on Monday
He left Sony and Australia in September 2016 to become senior A&R manager for Simon Cowell’s Syco Music label in London.
But he returned to Sony Music Australia’s Sydney headquarters in 2018, whereupon he was promoted to vice president of A&R, according to The Music Network.
Stebnicki joined Sony 14 years ago in the HR department, and started his role as senior vice president of strategy, corporate affairs and human resources last June.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sony Music Australia for comment.
On leave: Handlin’s son Pat Handlin (pictured here with his fiancée Samantha Jade), the vice president of artists and repertoire, has been placed on indefinite leave, as has senior vice president of human resources Mark Stebnicki
It comes days after chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin resigned as the company investigates its other workers over allegations of bullying and harassment.
Sony Music’s global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure of Mr Handlin – the longest-serving Sony Music employee anywhere in the world – in an internal email to staff at 10.28am on Monday.
‘I am writing to let you know that Denis Handlin will be leaving Sony Music Entertainment after more than 50 years with the company, effectively immediately,’ Mr Stringer wrote.
Career: Handlin Jnr, who is engaged to Sony Music artist Samantha Jade (right), had joined the company in 2006 as an intern before rising up the ranks to A&R boss. He has spent his entire career with Sony, minus two years at Simon Cowell’s Syco label in London from 2016 to 2018
‘It is time for a change in leadership and I will be making further announcements in terms of the new direction of our business in Australia and New Zealand in due course.’
Mr Handlin is one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry who has helped bands and stars like Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy and Gang of Youths achieve international fame.
Mr Stringer went on to thank Mr Handlin for his ‘extraordinary contribution’ to the company.
Shake-up: It comes days after chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin resigned as the company investigates its other workers over allegations of bullying and harassment Pictured: Mr Handlin with Jessica Mauboy
Handlin Snr’s departure came after it was revealed Sony Music was investigating claims of bullying and harassment within its Australian office.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Handlin, his son Pat or Mr Stebnicki are involved in any of the allegations.
In April, vice president of commercial music Tony Glover was sacked following claims of bullying and harassment. Mr Glover has denied the allegations.
Mr Handlin was born in Brisbane in 1951 and took up his first job in the mailroom with the Australian Record Company – later renamed to Sony Music – in 1970.
He later spent time in key roles such as national promotions manager, director of marketing and general manager of marketing and sales.
He was then made managing director and chief executive in 1984 before rising to the role of chairman in 1996.
He headed the company during the merger between Sony Music and Bertelsmann Media Group in 2004.
He has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest stars in entertainment including Hugh Jackman and singer Brian McFadden.
Men at Work, Midnight Oil, Silverchair, are among the many artists and bands that owe much of their success to Mr Handlin.
In May, the industry stalwart celebrated his 50th anniversary with Sony Music Australia.
Giant: Mr Handlin was one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry who has helped bands and stars like Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy and Gang of Youths achieve international fame. Pictured: Mr Handlin with actor and singer Hugh Jackman in 2006
‘A great deal has changed since Denis assembled his first record, but one thing that hasn’t is the passion, dedication, and heart he brings to our global teams, our artists, and the Australian music industry he has been so integral to shaping,’ Mr Stringer said of Mr Handlin.
‘I can’t imagine a better representative for the enduring strength of our Company during this challenging and uncertain time.’
Mr Handlin became a member on the board of the Australian Recording Industry Association since 1984 before he was made chairman in 2010.