Sony Music Publishing has officially promoted Antoine Dathanat to Managing Director of France ahead of the retirement of long-time Managing Director Nicolas Gilbert who is set to retire at the end of the month.
Dathanat joined Sony Music Publishing in 2018 as Head of A&R and has worked alongside artists such as Clara Luciani, Yseult, Hamza, BoumidjalX, London, Ozedikus, La Femme, Keblack, Naza, Booba and others throughout his tenure.
Dathanat will now oversee the company’s creative and business operations within France, and have a focus on bolstering relationships with clients and industry partners as well as being tasked with expanding the global support for Sony Music Publishing songwriters.
Dathanat will be based in Paris and will report to SMP’s President of International Guy Henderson.
“I am so pleased that Antoine will take over the reigns as Managing Director for SMP France, which has emerged as a one of our most important international territories” Henderson said in an official statement. “Antoine has spearheaded the most successful A&R team in France, and I know that he will bring those leadership qualities to his new role.”
“Nicolas Galibert has led our company in France with great distinction and success for many years. His contributions have positioned our team for further growth, and we are incredibly grateful for all that he has done for the company.”
“I am delighted to have Antoine as my successor and feel confident that the amazing work achieved by SMP France’s current and former teams will be pursued and fostered under his leadership” Gilbert stated. “Since joining us six years ago, he fully and successfully carried out his mission as Head of A&R and as an SMP family member.”
“Nicolas has cultivated a strong, rich legacy at the company, fostering a team that defends the interests of our songwriters, past, present and future” Dathanat added. “We intend to be a driving force in sharing the music of our songwriters far and wide. I look forward to beginning this new chapter with the team as we nurture and grow the talent of SMP France both onstage and backstage and ensure that the creative impulse at the heart of the process.”