Suno appoints Paul Sinclair as Chief Music Officer
Suno moves to strengthen its ties with the music industry by appointing former Atlantic Records executive Paul Sinclair.
AI music creation platform Suno has announced the appointment of Paul Sinclair as its first-ever Chief Music Officer (CMO), Sinclair, who brings over two decades of high-level experience in music, digital strategy, and rights management, most recently served as Chief Digital Officer at Atlantic Records and held senior roles at Warner Music Group. His arrival at Suno comes at a pivotal time for both the company and the wider conversation about the role of AI in music creation.
Sinclair said he’s “thrilled” to be joining Suno, emphasizing that his career has long sat “at the intersection of music, technology, and innovation.” He shared the news on LinkedIn, highlighting his excitement to help shape how artists and technology can work together to create new forms of musical expression.
As Chief Music Officer, Sinclair will be responsible for overseeing all music strategy at Suno, including artist relations, rights management, licensing, content partnerships, and engagement with the broader music industry.
While AI music tools have exploded in popularity, they have also come under increasing scrutiny for their handling of copyright, originality, and artist compensation. Bringing in an executive with Sinclair’s level of experience indicates Suno’s clear intent to position itself not just as a disruptive tech player, but as a credible, responsible participant in the music business.
Sinclair’s industry credentials are well-established. During his time at Warner Music Group and Atlantic Records, he was instrumental in driving digital transformation and exploring new revenue models in streaming, social platforms, and emerging tech partnerships. He also worked closely with artists and rights holders to navigate the complexities of licensing, distribution, and digital monetisation.
These skills will be critical as Suno continues to scale. The company, founded with the mission of making music creation accessible through artificial intelligence, has already attracted significant user interest, but its long-term success will hinge on building strong bridges with artists, publishers, and labels.
Suno’s decision to create a Chief Music Officer role, and to fill it with someone who understands the intricacies of rights, licensing, and creative partnerships, suggests the platform is serious about navigating these issues with transparency and care.
In a statement, Sinclair noted:
“AI should be a tool for artists, not something that replaces or undermines them. I’m excited to help build a future where AI empowers more creativity, expands what’s possible, and supports fair recognition and compensation for creators.”
Suno’s appointment of Paul Sinclair could help the company avoid the pitfalls that some AI platforms have faced, particularly around unauthorized content generation and strained relationships with rights holders. Similar to how streaming platforms needed to win over skeptical artists in their early days, AI music companies like Suno are recognizing the need for industry alignment and ethical practices.