Jon Platt Honored as International Executive of the Year: A Heartfelt Salute to Sony Music Publishing and the Songwriting Vanguard at MBW's Music Business UK Awards

Last night, while the airwaves were buzzing with anticipation across the United States, a similar spark ignited in London. November 5th marked the revered MBW Music Business UK Awards—a glittering celebration held in Covent Garden, shining a spotlight on the very best our British music industry has to offer. And by ‘shining,’ I mean lighting up the room with enough talent to power a small city.

The evening kicked off with a delightful surprise: the International Executive of the Year award was presented to none other than Jon Platt, courtesy of his talented comrade, MNEK. It’s not every day that you see an award handed over in such splendid fashion; it’s like watching a perfectly choreographed dance, only with far more glitz and glamour, and fewer sequins. This award recognizes a non-British executive whose work has, over the past year, elevated the UK and Irish music scene. A panel of savvy talent managers from the Music Business Worldwide’s MBW+ tier made the call on this one, looking at leaders across an array of sectors—live music, labels, management, publishing—the whole shebang!

Now, for those who might not be familiar, Jon Platt is the global Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, based in that sun-soaked paradise known as Los Angeles. His roster reads like a who's who of the music world, featuring extraordinary talents like Charli XCX, Hozier, and the ever-charming Ed Sheeran—names that make you want to throw on your dancing shoes and just *go for it.* Seriously, I could make an entire playlist just from his artist lineup, and trust me, it would be epic.

As Platt addressed the enthusiastic crowd at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, he spoke with warmth about his global team at Sony Music Publishing and the UK songwriting community. He wove in stories of how the hits “Hold Up” and “Empire State of Mind” came to life, revealing the magic that occurs behind closed doors when creativity and collaboration collide. And let’s be real, isn’t that what we all love about music? That splash of unpredictable brilliance that catches us off guard?

He offered a heartfelt thanks to Rob Stringer, the head honcho of Sony Music Group, and the other giants of the industry who had a hand in his journey, including Jody Gerson and Guy Moot—because let’s face it, no man is an island, especially not in the music biz.

The cherry on top of Platt's speech was a touching nod to his family, which in a twist of irony, he expressed gratitude for first—a refreshing departure from the usual practice of saving the best for last. At the very moment most of us would be wrapped up in celebratory dinner plans on a special occasion, Platt shared that it was actually his wife Angie’s birthday. But instead of staying home in quiet reverie, he decided to embrace the festivities—an act of love we can all appreciate. Here’s to you, Angie! May all your birthdays be as glamorous as an awards ceremony.

Reflecting on his ties to the UK, Platt noted, “It's like a family,” a sentiment we can all resonate with in a world where trust and commitment shine brighter than the glimmering awards on display. Tucked within his anecdotes were delightful stories that just *scream* ‘only in music;’ tales filled with last-minute studio sessions and songs that transform from mere ideas into chart-topping anthems. Who would have thought that the song “Hold Up” sparked from an impromptu meeting with Beyoncé could lead to such a cultural phenomenon? You know, just the casual magic of a Saturday morning.

As the night unfolded, Platt brilliantly balanced humor with poignant reflections on the sacrifices made in favor of pursuing creativity. Each personal story was laced with a nostalgia that only someone with three decades of experience can emulate gracefully. It’s that blend of personal touch and professional prowess that makes for a truly memorable evening.

To wrap it all up—just like those awards on the mantel—if you glean any wisdom from Platt’s journey it’s simply this: along with hard work and resilience, music just might need a sprinkle of magic dust (and a pinch of serendipity). So, what’s the takeaway? Every now and then, take a moment to "smell the roses," then dive right back into the beautiful chaos we call the music industry. Life’s too short not to dance and create at the same time. Thank you, Jon, for a night truly worth remembering—and for showing us that sometimes, it’s about the stories we share and the connections we create that make the music world spin just a bit faster.