Sony Music has named Clio Massey and Matt D’Arduini as co-presidents of Arista Records, succeeding David Massey, who announced his retirement as president and CEO in April. The newly appointed leaders, both Arista veterans, are based in New York and will report directly to Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music Group.
In a statement, Stringer emphasized the “seamless transition” from Massey to Massey/D’Arduini and praised the duo’s complementary strengths and vision for the iconic label. “Clio and Matt are dynamic and forward-thinking executives who are best placed to build on the artist development they have been involved with in the first phase of the new Arista,” Stringer said. “Their skills complement each other neatly and as a partnership will lead to an exciting future for the label.”
Massey got her start at Liberal Arts Music in 2013 and later joined Sony/ATV Music Publishing, where she worked in A&R from 2014 to 2018, signing notable songwriters such as Maggie Rogers and Geoff Warburton. She then joined Work of Art Publishing to collaborate with her father, David, and by 2020, was named general manager of WoAP as well as vice president of A&R at Arista. She’ll continue to oversee Work of Art Publishing, the company said.
“I look forward to continuing the work with the great artists and exceptional team at Arista, alongside Matt,” said Massey. “We’re excited to help shape and grow our group into its next chapter.”
D’Arduini has been a big part of Arista since its 2018 relaunch, contributing to the success of artists like Måneskin and Paul Russell, as well as playing a role in the soundtrack for The Idea of You. Prior to joining Arista, he spent 10 years at Robins Entertainment and six at Island Records, where he collaborated with David Massey on projects for artists including Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato and Shawn Mendes.
“We are eager to expand on Arista’s progress and reach over the last few years, cultivating even more talent at our company,” he said. “We’re also grateful for the leadership at Sony Music who believe in this organization and will help us advance our creative core.”
With new co-presidents in place, Arista believes it is positioned to build on its momentum and drive continued growth. The label has recently broadened its global roster, signing and nurturing rising stars such as Damiano David, JP Saxe, Lola Brooke, Jonah Kagen, and Sunday (1994).
Founded by Clive Davis in 1974 and home to icons like Whitney Houston and Carlos Santana, Arista was retired in 2011 and later revived by Stringer and the David Massey in 2018 with Davis’ blessing.
