Sony Music Publishing CFO Shift: What Prata’s Role Means for AI Era

As Greg Prata steps into the CFO role at Sony Music Publishing, his financial acumen could reshape how SMP navigates licensing and AI-driven revenue streams.

Sony Music Publishing CFO Shift: What Prata’s Role Means for the AI Era

In a move that signals Sony Music Publishing’s (SMP) next phase of growth, Greg Prata has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), taking over from Tom Kelly, who retired after a 35-year career. Prata will continue to be based in New York and report directly to SMP Chairman and CEO Jon Platt. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the music industry, as companies like SMP grapple with the complexities of AI-generated music and evolving licensing frameworks.

Why Prata’s Appointment Matters

Prata’s promotion isn’t just a routine executive shuffle; it’s a strategic decision with significant implications for SMP’s future. His background in finance and operations positions him as a key player in navigating SMP’s financial strategy during a time of unprecedented change. With the rise of AI music platforms and the increasing value of music catalogs, Prata’s role will be critical in ensuring SMP capitalizes on emerging opportunities.

According to AInvest, Sony’s aggressive stance on AI licensing and copyright enforcement has already set the stage for a new era of revenue generation. Prata’s expertise will be essential in managing the financial complexities of these initiatives, particularly as SMP seeks to expand its high-value music catalog and negotiate lucrative AI licensing deals.

The AI Challenge: Licensing and Revenue

One of Prata’s primary challenges will be overseeing SMP’s financial strategy in the context of AI-generated music. As Music Business Worldwide reports, Sony Group has developed technology to identify copyrighted music embedded in AI-generated tracks. This innovation could pave the way for a revenue-sharing framework that compensates original creators, a model that Prata will need to integrate into SMP’s financial operations.

The AI music landscape is fraught with challenges, from copyright disputes to the ethical use of training data. Prata’s role will involve not only safeguarding SMP’s intellectual property but also exploring new revenue streams. For instance, SMP’s landmark deal with KLAY Vision, an AI platform that trains exclusively on licensed music, exemplifies the kind of partnerships Prata will likely oversee.

Financial Milestones and Strategic Growth

Prata’s promotion coincides with SMP’s impressive financial performance. In calendar Q4 2025, Sony’s combined revenue from recorded music and publishing surpassed $3 billion for the first time, according to Music Business Worldwide. This milestone underscores SMP’s position as a leader in the global music industry and sets a high bar for Prata’s tenure.

Key areas of focus for Prata will likely include: - Expanding licensing deals with AI platforms - Enhancing SMP’s catalog valuation through strategic acquisitions - Streamlining financial operations to support SMP’s global growth

The Legacy of Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly’s retirement marks the end of an era for SMP. During his 35-year career, Kelly played a pivotal role in shaping SMP’s financial strategy and solidifying its position as a global powerhouse. His tenure saw SMP navigate the transition from physical sales to streaming, laying the groundwork for the company’s current success.

As Prata steps into Kelly’s shoes, he inherits a robust financial framework but also faces the challenge of leading SMP into uncharted territory. The rise of AI-generated music and the increasing complexity of licensing agreements demand a CFO who can balance financial discipline with strategic innovation.

Looking Ahead: SMP’s Next Chapter

Prata’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for SMP and the broader music industry. With AI poised to reshape how music is created, distributed, and monetized, Prata’s financial expertise will be instrumental in ensuring SMP remains at the forefront of this transformation.

As SMP continues to adapt to the AI era, all eyes will be on Prata to see how he leverages SMP’s financial resources to capitalize on emerging opportunities while safeguarding the company’s intellectual property. His leadership will undoubtedly shape SMP’s trajectory in the years to come.