Who Owns Columbia Records: Ownership Insights

Columbia Records is one of the oldest and most iconic record labels in the world. If you’re wondering who owns Columbia Records today, you’re not alone. The label has a rich history and is part of a larger corporate structure that has evolved over the decades.

Columbia Records Company Profile

Columbia Records is one of the most influential and longest-standing record labels in the world. Known for signing legendary and chart-topping artists, the label has played a pivotal role in shaping the music industry for over a century. As of 2025, Columbia continues to lead the global music scene under the Sony Music Entertainment umbrella, with a diverse and dynamic roster of artists across pop, hip-hop, rock, and alternative genres.

Company Details

• Name: Columbia Records
• Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment
• Headquarters: New York City, United States
• Status: Active
• Type: Subsidiary
• Industry: Music & Entertainment
• Genre Coverage: Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative, Indie
• Key Executive (2025): Ron Perry – Chairman and CEO
• Distribution: Global, through Sony Music’s international network.

Columbia Records operates as one of Sony Music’s premier frontline labels, meaning it handles new music releases and artist development directly rather than just catalog management.

Founders

Columbia Records was originally founded in 1887 as the Columbia Phonograph Company in Washington, D.C. It was created as a regional sales outlet for Edison phonographs and cylinder recordings.

The early leadership team included Edward D. Easton, a former stenographer and lawyer who played a crucial role in its growth. Under Easton’s guidance, the company began producing its own records and phonographs, eventually transitioning from cylinders to disc records in the early 1900s.

Major Milestones

• 1887: Columbia Phonograph Company is founded.
• 1901: The label begins producing disc records, breaking away from Edison’s cylinder model.
• 1938: Becomes part of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), forming a powerful media and music network.
• 1948: Introduces the long-playing (LP) vinyl record, revolutionizing music listening with longer format records.
• 1960s–70s: Signs legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, and Barbra Streisand.
• 1988: Sony Corporation acquires CBS Records, which includes Columbia Records, and rebrands it as Sony Music Entertainment in 1991.
• 2000s: Continued expansion with artists like Beyoncé and John Mayer.
• 2018: Ron Perry becomes CEO, focusing on digital expansion and modern pop, signing acts like Lil Nas X and The Kid LAROI.
• 2020–2025: Columbia sees record-breaking global success with artists like Adele, Harry Styles, and Miley Cyrus. Embraces AI-powered A&R tools and global music marketing under Sony’s strategic transformation.

Who Owns Columbia Records?

Columbia Records is wholly owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which itself is a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate. This ownership structure places Columbia Records under one of the world’s most powerful and diversified media and technology companies.

Ownership Details

• Columbia Records does not have the legal right to use its name in Japan. There, Nippon Columbia (also known as Denon) operates separately and has retained the rights to the “Columbia” name.
• Despite being under a Japanese conglomerate, Columbia operates independently from Japan’s music labels, focusing heavily on the U.S., UK, and global English-language markets.
• Sony’s ownership of Columbia has enabled deep investment in digital transformation, artist-first strategies, and international expansion, especially after 2020.

As of 2025, Columbia Records continues to thrive as a key asset in Sony’s global music empire, maintaining a balance between legacy and innovation.

Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is one of the “Big Three” global music corporations, alongside Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. It handles recorded music, artist services, distribution, and licensing across a vast portfolio of labels, with Columbia Records being one of its most prestigious.

Sony Music’s headquarters is located in New York City. It operates in over 60 countries and controls a variety of prominent music labels, including RCA Records, Epic Records, Arista, and Legacy Recordings, in addition to Columbia.

Columbia Records functions as a frontline label under Sony Music, meaning it signs and develops new talent, manages major artist releases, and actively shapes pop culture through music.

Acquisition by Sony: Timeline and Insights

The ownership of Columbia Records has shifted significantly over its long history. The most crucial transition occurred in 1988, when Sony Corporation acquired the CBS Records Group from CBS Inc. for approximately $2 billion. This deal included Columbia Records and other music assets.

At the time, Columbia was operated under CBS Inc., which had owned the label since the late 1930s. The acquisition marked Sony’s deep entry into the entertainment industry, complementing its existing electronics and technology divisions.

In 1991, CBS Records was officially renamed Sony Music Entertainment, and Columbia Records became a core part of this newly formed global music company.

This acquisition also allowed Sony to integrate music with its other businesses, including Sony Electronics and Sony Pictures, creating synergy across platforms such as music players, film soundtracks, and gaming.

Control and Management

Although Columbia Records does not have independent shareholders—since it’s not a standalone public company—its corporate fate is guided by Sony Group Corporation’s executive leadership and board of directors.

Sony Group is a publicly traded entity listed on both the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Its largest shareholders include institutional investors such as:

• The Vanguard Group
• BlackRock
• State Street Corporation.

The actual decision-making power regarding Columbia’s long-term vision, major investments, and leadership appointments rests with the Sony Music Entertainment board, under the larger governance of Sony Group’s executive management in Tokyo.

Columbia Records’ Biggest Artists

As of 2025, Columbia Records manages one of the most commercially powerful and culturally influential rosters in the global music industry. Its artist lineup includes chart-dominating icons, viral newcomers, and genre-defining voices across pop, hip-hop, R&B, and alternative.

Here’s a list of the major artists managed by Columbia Records as of 2025:

Adele

Adele remains one of Columbia Records’ most valuable and internationally recognized artists. Her albums have sold tens of millions of copies, and her 2021 album 30 broke streaming and vinyl sales records worldwide. In 2025, Adele continues to be a cornerstone artist for Columbia, with legacy appeal, massive streaming numbers, and consistent award wins. Her limited releases are considered industry events, and she plays a major role in Columbia’s catalog strength.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé has been a Columbia artist since her days with Destiny’s Child. Her solo career has produced groundbreaking albums like Lemonade and Renaissance, which combine commercial success with cultural impact. As of 2025, Beyoncé remains an active presence on the label, with new projects, global tours, and brand collaborations that drive both revenue and visibility.

Harry Styles

Harry Styles is one of Columbia’s biggest global pop stars. Since going solo after One Direction, he has released multiple multi-platinum albums including Fine Line and Harry’s House. His 2022 single “As It Was” became one of the most streamed tracks in the world. By 2025, Styles continues to headline major festivals, sell out international arenas, and remain a streaming juggernaut.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X is one of Columbia’s most significant digital-era signings. He rose to fame with the 2019 hit “Old Town Road,” which became the longest-running No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history. Under Columbia, he’s released viral hits like “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby.” In 2025, he remains a cultural lightning rod, blending music, fashion, and internet culture into a cohesive and profitable brand.

The Kid LAROI

The Kid LAROI is one of the label’s top young talents. Since his breakout with “Without You” and the Justin Bieber collaboration “Stay,” he has become a global pop-rap crossover star. Columbia continues to position him as a Gen Z leader, with strong fan engagement, chart presence, and commercial success across multiple continents.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus signed with Columbia Records in 2021 and released Endless Summer Vacation, which included the global No. 1 hit “Flowers.” The song topped charts in over 40 countries and became one of the biggest singles of 2023. In 2025, Cyrus is viewed as a versatile and evolved pop icon, delivering both vocal power and streaming dominance under Columbia.

Rosalía

Rosalía, while also affiliated with other Sony labels globally, has worked closely with Columbia for U.S. distribution. Her genre-blending style, combining flamenco, reggaeton, and pop, has gained massive critical acclaim and commercial appeal. Her work with Columbia has expanded her influence across English-speaking markets.

BTS (U.S. Distribution Only)

Although BTS is officially signed to BigHit Music in South Korea, Columbia Records has managed their U.S. distribution and marketing since 2018. Under Columbia, BTS achieved major American chart success with hits like “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance.” The partnership has been a massive success story in cross-border music marketing.

Polo G

Polo G is one of Columbia’s leading hip-hop artists. Known for emotionally raw storytelling and consistent charting singles, he has helped strengthen the label’s position in the rap genre. Songs like “Rapstar” and collaborations with Lil Tjay and DaBaby have been commercial wins.

Who is the CEO of Columbia Records?

Ron Perry currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Columbia Records, a position he has held since January 2018. He leads the label’s strategy, artist signings, marketing vision, and overall creative direction.

Before joining Columbia, Perry co-founded and served as President and partner at SONGS Music Publishing beginning in 2004.

There, he signed landmark artists like The Weeknd, Lorde, Diplo, DJ Mustard, and XXXTentacion. He played a central role in major hits such as “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” and Lorde’s Grammy-nominated Melodrama.

In late 2017, SONGS was sold to Kobalt, and Perry moved to Columbia in early 2018.

Strategic Vision and Key Signings

Since taking the helm, Perry has guided Columbia through a major transformation. He signed Lil Nas X and orchestrated the “Old Town Road” remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus—a record-breaking Hot 100 run of 19 weeks at No. 1.

He also recognized the global potential of K‑pop by signing BTS to Columbia in early 2018 and was involved in the production of “Butter” and “Dynamite”.

Other major hits under his leadership include Adele’s “Easy on Me,” Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers,” The Kid Laroi’s “Stay,” Polo G’s “Rapstar,” and 24kGoldn’s “Mood”.

Leadership Style and Cultural Influence

Perry has combined commercial success with intentional values-based leadership. Under his direction, Columbia became the first major music company to publicly support the Black Lives Matter movement in May 2020, issuing a statement in solidarity and establishing funds to support Black creators and communities.

In 2024, he was honored by the UJA‑Federation of New York as Music Visionary of the Year, highlighting his commitment to broader social causes including combating antisemitism and supporting animal welfare initiatives.

Organizational Structure and Executive Team

In his role, Perry reports to Rob Stringer, CEO of Sony Music Group, and works alongside Columbia’s broader leadership team, which includes President Jenifer Mallory, EVP & CFO Stephen Russo, and other senior executives such as Abou “Bu” Thiam.

Together, they oversee artist development, streaming strategy, legal affairs, marketing, analytics, and promotions.

Recognition and Industry Awards

Ron Perry has earned wide recognition in the music industry. He was named Variety’s Hitmakers Executive of the Year in 2020 and has consistently ranked in Billboard’s Power 100, reaching as high as No. 17.

His leadership and impact are widely cited as transformative for both Columbia Records and the broader music landscape.

Columbia Records Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of 2025, Columbia Records generates approximately $1.8 billion in annual revenue, driven by streaming, licensing, and global artist success. Its estimated net worth is around $1.4 billion as of August 2025, reflecting a combination of legacy value, current commercial power, and strategic relevance in the modern music industry.

Columbia Records Annual Revenue in 2025

Columbia Records, as one of the most profitable and high-performing labels under Sony Music Entertainment, generated an estimated $1.8 billion in revenue in 2025. This estimate reflects its dominant presence across global music charts, digital streaming platforms, and radio airplay.

The revenue primarily comes from:

• Streaming royalties from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube
• Physical and digital album sales
• Licensing music for films, commercials, and television
• Merchandising and branded content deals
• Touring revenue shares in some artist contracts.

Columbia’s top-selling artists—such as Adele, Harry Styles, Beyoncé, and Miley Cyrus—helped drive record-breaking global streams in 2025. With multiple No. 1 albums and singles across international markets, the label maintained its position as one of the most commercially successful music companies in the world.

Newer acts like The Kid LAROI, Lil Nas X, and Rosé (of BLACKPINK) further expanded Columbia’s global reach, especially in Gen Z-driven streaming consumption. The label has also significantly increased its presence in international territories, including Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe, through targeted A&R and digital-first releases.

Columbia Records Net Worth

Although Columbia Records is not a standalone public company and does not disclose financials separately, its estimated net worth in August 2025 is around $1.4 billion.

Here is the estimated historical revenue and net worth of Columbia Records over the last 10 years (2016–2025):

This valuation is based on several key factors:

• It’s extensive and highly valuable music catalog that includes decades of iconic recordings.
• Consistent earnings from both legacy and contemporary artists.
• High profitability margins due to digital streaming and low distribution overhead.
• Brand equity built over more than 130 years.
• Global licensing deals and long-term artist contracts with some of the most streamed artists in the world.

Columbia’s catalog alone—including the works of Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, and modern acts like BTS (U.S. distribution) and Harry Styles—adds significant value to its overall asset base. Music catalogs have increasingly become attractive financial assets, and Columbia’s collection remains one of the most commercially viable in the industry.

In addition to earnings, Columbia’s market position, historical brand power, and influence on the global music scene all contribute to its billion-dollar valuation.

Brands Owned by Columbia Records

Here’s a list of the major brands, subsidiaries, and divisions owned by Columbia Records as of 2025:

Startime International

Startime International is a boutique label imprint under Columbia Records that focuses on indie, alternative, and experimental music. Originally founded independently in the early 2000s, it has since been absorbed and managed as part of Columbia’s efforts to expand its reach into niche music markets.

In 2025, Startime continues to support a tight roster of artists with unique creative identities. It functions with a degree of autonomy in A&R and branding, while Columbia provides marketing, distribution, and financial backing. The imprint is recognized for its curated aesthetic and cultivating cult followings, especially among younger alternative audiences.

RECORDS (Joint Venture)

RECORDS is a joint venture between Columbia Records and Barry Weiss, former CEO of Jive and RCA Records. Established in 2015, RECORDS operates as a hybrid imprint, offering a bridge between major-label muscle and indie-style artist development.

Columbia handles the distribution and backend services, while RECORDS focuses on talent scouting and early-stage artist building. The label has helped launch several breakout stars in the pop and hip-hop space. As of 2025, RECORDS continues to thrive as a nimble partner label focused on breakthrough acts.

25/7 Records

25/7 Records is an emerging Columbia-affiliated label that began operations in the early 2020s. It was created to focus on digital-native artists, particularly those discovered via TikTok, YouTube, or other short-form platforms. The imprint serves as a launchpad for viral talent, providing streamlined contracts, minimal bureaucracy, and fast-tracked release pipelines.

In 2025, 25/7 has evolved into a proving ground for talent who may later be absorbed into Columbia’s main roster. The label operates with close integration into Columbia’s digital marketing and influencer promotion teams.

Priority Tracks (Development Arm)

Priority Tracks is Columbia’s internal A&R development unit, formed to function like a creative incubator. While not a separate label, it acts as a dedicated entity to nurture unsigned or early-stage artists, test potential hits, and trial collaborations before committing to full album projects.

Priority Tracks does not publicly release music under its own branding but is instrumental in shaping Columbia’s future roster. Artists who pass through this system often debut on Columbia or its affiliated imprints once commercially viable.

Signature Series (Vinyl & Legacy Reissues)

Signature Series is Columbia Records’ branded line for limited edition vinyls, remastered legacy albums, and archival box sets. While technically not a standalone company, it functions as an internal brand responsible for curating and monetizing Columbia’s historical catalog.

In 2025, the Signature Series continues to be a profitable division, leveraging renewed interest in vinyl, collector editions, and nostalgia-driven music merchandise. Releases under this banner often coincide with anniversaries, tours, or documentary releases about classic artists.

Columbia Nashville (Country Division)

Columbia Nashville is a genre-specific division of Columbia Records that focuses exclusively on country music. While part of the larger Sony Music Nashville group, it retains the Columbia branding and manages its own roster of country artists.

This division gives Columbia Records direct involvement in one of the most commercially stable music genres in the United States. Columbia Nashville oversees country signings, production, marketing, and distribution independently from Columbia’s mainstream pop operations.

Futurewave (Experimental & AI Music Lab)

Futurewave is a newly established creative lab and imprint under Columbia Records, launched in 2024. It focuses on AI-generated music, interactive artist platforms, and experimental audio formats. The goal is to explore what music can become in an increasingly digital and machine-learning-driven world.

Futurewave collaborates with Columbia’s tech teams, research partners, and forward-thinking artists interested in breaking away from conventional sound structures. It operates in close coordination with marketing analytics and DSP trend teams.

Columbia Live (Brand Extension)

Columbia Live is Columbia Records’ event and experiential marketing arm. While not a traditional label, it oversees branded tours, pop-up concerts, fan meetups, and immersive album launch events. The division works closely with streaming partners and ticketing platforms to design hybrid digital-physical events.

By 2025, Columbia Live has helped boost the public presence of many artists through high-profile concert activations and creative launch strategies. It also helps Columbia compete in the growing space of music experiences beyond just the audio.

Conclusion

Columbia Records is a key part of Sony Music Entertainment and ultimately owned by Sony Group Corporation. Though it has changed hands over the decades, the label has retained its influence and legacy in the global music industry. With a powerful lineup of artists and a forward-looking leadership team, Columbia remains a dominant force in music.

FAQs

Who owns Columbia Records?

Columbia Records is owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Japan. Columbia is one of the flagship labels under Sony Music.

Who is the owner of Columbia Records?

The ultimate owner of Columbia Records is Sony Group Corporation, through its music division Sony Music Entertainment, which operates Columbia as one of its primary labels.

Who is Columbia Records founder?

Columbia Records was originally founded in 1887 by Edward D. Easton as the American Graphophone Company. It later became known as Columbia Phonograph Company and evolved into the modern Columbia Records.

What’s the list of Columbia Records artists?

Columbia’s top artists in 2025 include Adele, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, The Kid LAROI, Miley Cyrus, Rosalía, BTS (U.S. distribution), and Polo G, among others. The label represents a wide range of genres from pop to hip-hop.

Where is Columbia Records located?

Columbia Records is headquartered in New York City, United States. It operates under the Sony Music Entertainment umbrella, which also shares corporate offices in NYC.

When was CBS renamed Columbia Records?

CBS was not renamed Columbia Records; rather, Columbia Records was owned by CBS Records, which was later acquired by Sony. In 1988, Sony purchased CBS Records and rebranded it as Sony Music Entertainment, while retaining the Columbia Records label name.

Is Columbia Records a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment?

Yes, Columbia Records is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, which is itself part of Sony Group Corporation.

What record label is owned by Sony?

Sony owns multiple record labels under Sony Music Entertainment, including:

• Columbia Records
• RCA Records
• Epic Records
• Arista Records
• Legacy Recordings
• Sony Classical.

These labels operate under the Sony Music banner globally.

Who is over Columbia Records?

As of 2025, Ron Perry is the Chairman and CEO of Columbia Records. He oversees all operations, artist signings, and strategic direction for the label within Sony Music.

Is BTS under Columbia Records?

BTS is not signed to Columbia Records but their U.S. distribution and promotion have been handled by Columbia since 2018 through a partnership with BigHit Music. They are affiliated in the American market but not globally.

Did Lil Tjay leave Columbia Records?

As of 2025, Lil Tjay is no longer actively releasing music under Columbia Records. He previously released several major hits with the label but has since moved toward independent releases and new partnerships.

Who is Glokk40Spaz signed to?

Glokk40Spaz is signed to Columbia Records, which manages his distribution and promotion within the U.S. rap and hip-hop scene.

Is Harry Styles signed to Columbia Records?

Yes, Harry Styles is signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist. He has released all his solo albums under the label following his departure from One Direction.

Who owns Sony Music?

Sony Music Entertainment is owned by Sony Group Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate based in Tokyo. It is one of the “Big Three” global music companies, alongside Universal Music and Warner Music.

Is Columbia Records a private or public company?

Columbia Records itself is not publicly traded. However, its parent company, Sony Group Corporation, is publicly listed in Japan and the U.S.

When did Sony acquire Columbia Records?

Sony acquired Columbia Records in 1988 through its purchase of CBS Records.

Does Columbia Records own Sony Music?

No, Columbia Records is a subsidiary of Sony Music, not the other way around.

Is Columbia Records the same as Columbia Pictures?

No, Columbia Records is a music label, while Columbia Pictures is a film studio. Both are owned by different branches of Sony.