Denis Handlin
Denis Anthony Handlin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Denis Anthony Handlin 1951 (age 72–73) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1970–2021 |
| Spouse | Jan Gudinski[1] |
| Children | 6 |
Denis Handlin AO (b. 1951) is an Australian entrepreneur and business executive who formerly served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand and President of Sony Music Entertainment Asia Inc, commencing employment in the company in 1970 until 5 June 2021, making him the longest serving global Sony Music employee.[1][2][3]
Additionally, Handlin has served on the committees of several industry associations and has held various positions including Chairman of the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia, Vice Chairman of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Chairman of the ARIA Industry Chart Committee and has been a member of the ARIA Board from 1984 until 5 June 2021.[1][4]
In October, 2021, the Australian current affairs television program Four Corners interviewed over 100 Sony Music employees who alleged abuse, intimidation and bullying perpetrated by Denis Hamblin.[5]
Early life and education
Handlin was born in Brisbane, Australia in 1951 and educated at St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace.[1]
Career
In May 1970, Handlin started in the Distribution Division within the Australian Record Company[4] (later known as CBS Records International, Sony BMG now Sony Music Australia).[1]
In 1976, Handlin moved to Sydney and held numerous senior positions including National Promotions Manager, Director of Marketing and General Manager, Marketing and Sales.[1]
In 1984, Handlin was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian company.[4][1]
In February 1996, Handlin was made Chairman of Sony Music Entertainment Australia Limited and appointed to the international committee responsible for the company’s global strategy.[1]
In May 1996, Handlin became the first Australian and the first Sony Music Entertainment executive to be honoured with the CEO Special Recognition Award presented by Sony Chairman and CEO Norio Ohga.[1]
In 2002, Handlin was appointed to chair the Sony Music International Strategy committee.[1]
In 2005 at the Australia Day Honours List, Handlin was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of "service to the music industry, particularly through the promotion of Australian musicians, to professional organisations, and to the community through fundraising for charitable organisations".[6]
In September 2010, in addition to his Australia and New Zealand responsibilities, Handlin was appointed President, South East Asia & Korea and was further expanded as President, Asia in August 2011.[1]
In November 2012, Handlin was elected to the position of Vice Chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Asia Regional Board and in November 2014, Handlin was elected as Chairman of the IFPI Asia Pacific Board.[1]
In October 2014, a Sony Foundation event was held to recognise Denis' 30 years leading Sony Music Australia. The event raised funds to create a special endowment fund to provide annual grants to support children with disabilities.[1]
In June 2017 at the Queen's Birthday Honours List, Handlin was elevated to and awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), in recognition of "for distinguished service to the Australian recording industry, through leadership and mentoring roles, as a supporter of young artists, and to charitable organisations as a director, patron and contributor".[7]
In February 2018, Handlin was announced as "the Number 1 most influential figure in the Australian music industry" by music industry publication, The Music.[1]
On 21 June 2021, it was announced that Handlin was leaving the company.[2] His departure, was effective immediately and was announced by Sony Music's global boss Rob Stringer in an internal email.[3] As he no longer worked at Sony Music, he can no longer be on the ARIA board and exited immediately.[4]
Personal life
Handlin married his wife Jan in 1977 and together they have six children.[1]
Handlin has been a mentor of the Queensland State of Origin series rugby league team since 2006.[1]
On 15 June 2021, Sony Music Australia became the centre of claims of bullying and harassment with it US-based headquarters investigating.[8] On 21 June 2021, it was announced that Handlin was leaving the company after 50 years.[2]
Awards and achievements
Handlin has received several awards for his work in the Australian entertainment industry.
| Year | Nominee | Ceremony | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Denis Handlin | Sony Music Entertainment | CEO Special Recognition Award | awarded | [1] |
| 2005 | Denis Handlin | Queen's Birthday Honours | Member of the Order of Australia | awarded | [6] |
| 2009 | Denis Handlin | APRA Awards (Australia) | Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music | awarded | [1] |
| 2012 | Denis Handlin | Worldwide Radio Summit Industry Awards | Label Executive of the Year – Major | awarded | [1] |
| 2014 | Denis Handlin | ARIA Music Awards | Icon Awards | awarded | [1][9] |
| 2017 | Denis Handlin | Queen's Birthday Honours | Officer of the Order of Australia | awarded | [7] |
| 2020 | Denis Handlin | Queensland Music Awards | QMusic Honorary Award | awarded | [10] |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "DENIS HANDLIN AO Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia". Sony Music Australia. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ a b c Kelly, Vivienne (21 June 2021). "Sony Music Denis Handlin Depart". The Music Network. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ a b "Sony Music Australia CEO and chairman Denis Handlin departs company abruptly". news.com.au. 21 June 201. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ a b c d Kelly, Vivienne (21 June 201). "Denis Handlin to exit ARIA board". The Music Network. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ Tobin, Grace (11 October 2021). "Sony Music was warned about the toxic regime of Denis Handlin. It stuck by him for decades". Four Corners. ABC News. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Mr Denis Anthony Handlin". It's An Honour. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Mr Denis Anthony Handlin AM". It's An Honour. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Kelly, Vivienne (15 June 2021). "Sony Music Australia under investigation by head office for harassment & bullying". The Music Network. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ "And the ARIA Award Goes To..." Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ "2020 QMAS Winners Revealed". Q Music. 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.