Sony Music Australia: Denis Handlin's son Pat is stood down amid investigation

Sony Music Australia: Denis Handlin's son Pat is stood down amid investigation
Sony Music Australia: Denis Handlin's son Pat is stood down amid investigation

Two more Sony Music Australia executives have been stood down following the abrupt departure of long-serving chief executive 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 chief executive Denis Handlin (pictured) on Monday

Exit: Two more Sony Music Australia executives have been stood down following the abrupt departure of long-serving chief executive 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&, 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

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

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.

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