Sony Music Group has named prominent non-profit leader Towalame Austin as EVP, philanthropy and social impact.
She will be based in Los Angeles and report jointly to Sony/ATV chairman and CEO Jon Platt and Sony Music Entertainment COO Kevin Kelleher.
In this newly-created role, Towalame will work closely with Sony Music Group’s corporate communications and human resources teams to advance its humanitarian efforts through sustained strategic partnerships. She will work to extend philanthropic programmes and activities across the company’s global network, while advising its businesses, artists and songwriters on charitable initiatives reflecting Sony Music Group’s existing commitment to corporate giving.
Recently, Sony Music Group launched a $100 million fund to support social justice and anti-racist initiatives, in addition to participating in Sony Corporation’s $100 million fund for global Covid-19 relief. Sony Music Group also established a recurring “Giving Tuesday” campaign, which matched employee donations to hundreds of civic and charitable organizations.
Kelleher said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Towalame to this important role at our company as we further develop our strategy in this vital area. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of companies that represent artists and the beneficial influence they can have on social causes aligns well with our growing efforts to positively impact our global society.”
Platt said: “I have known Towalame professionally for many years, and genuinely admire what she has accomplished as a strategic advisor for non-profits. Through her work with some of the most influential leaders in music and entertainment, Towalame has helped chart a new course for creative companies to authentically give back to the communities they serve. I look forward to her guidance in expanding our impact as a socially-conscious organisation.”
Austin said: “It is an honor to join Sony Music Group and deliver on their promise to meaningfully support communities in need. I look forward to bringing my expertise to the company to help develop its philanthropic and advocacy efforts globally.”
With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector with a focus on charitable initiatives, Towalame most recently held the role of executive of philanthropy for Roc Nation. Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, is known for its dedication to charity, including work with prison reform through Reform Alliance and education through the Shawn Carter Foundation.
During Towalame’s time at Roc Nation, she launched Rihanna’s charity venture, The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), which has made a worldwide impact on education, emergency response, and health programmes. Towalame also launched the We The Best Foundation, founded by DJ Khaled, and supported the philanthropic efforts of artists such as Big Sean, Mariah Carey, Todd Gurley and Justise Winslow.
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