“When I joined Sony Music almost six years ago, there was a need, and thus an opportunity, to reimagine the company’s priorities and what A&R could/should mean for Sony Music Nashville going forward. Particularly in the area of breaking new artists,” Goodman wrote. “Jim has been an important partner in making all of that happen from our very first meeting. Here we are, six short years later, having achieved significant artist break throughs as well as our aspirational goal of claiming #1 current market share for country. None of that would have happened without Jim’s creative vision, leadership and ability to execute. He has made an indelible mark on the amazing legacy of Sony Music Nashville and thus we all owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

Among the artists Catino had worked with over the two decades are Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Kane Brown, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and many more.

Catino called his decision “bittersweet,” noting that starting his own company is “something I have wanted to do for some time, but it’s always been hard to make that move because I love this place so much.” He went on to thank Goodman, as well as his past Sony Nashville mentors/bosses, Renee Bell, Joe Galante and Randy Overton.

There is no word yet on who will replace Catino.

Goodman’s memo is in full below, following by Catino’s.

It is with a range of emotions that I deliver the news to you all today that Jim Catino has informed me of his decision to leave the Company at the end of June to start his own venture. Jim will be sharing more about his future plans with you all shortly in a separate email.

When I joined Sony Music almost six years ago, there was a need, and thus an opportunity, to reimagine the Company’s priorities and what A&R could/should mean for Sony Music Nashville going forward. Particularly in the area of breaking new artists. Jim has been an important partner in making all of that happen from our very first meeting. Here we are, six short years later, having achieved significant artist break throughs as well as our aspirational goal of claiming #1 current market share for Country. None of that would have happened without Jim’s creative vision, leadership and ability to execute. He has made an indelible mark on the amazing legacy of Sony Music Nashville and thus we all owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Jim has been with varying iterations of SMN since 2001. He is a 27-year music industry veteran and I know will find great success in all that lays ahead. Ideally, we’ll continue to be a part of whatever new and exciting artists he finds and develops. In the meantime, we will come back to you very soon with more information about our search for a new head of A&R.

Please join me in thanking Jim, and of course Molly, for making us all better along the way.

We wish you God’s speed my friend,
Randy 

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Hey everyone.
Just thought I’d send out a quick note thanking all of you for making SMN such a great place to be for so long.   I have decided to go pursue my own music venture (publishing and artist development) when my contract ends on July 1st.   This is something I have wanted to do for some time, but it’s always been hard to make that move because I love this place so much.  So it is bitter sweet.
I am so thankful for my 20 years at Sony Music. I have had so many amazing mentors – Renee Bell, Joe Galante, Gary Overton and, of course, the last six amazing years with Randy Goodman and team. Those years have been instrumental in building my confidence to make this decision.  I’m excited about what’s ahead, but will miss all of you.  This is an amazing staff and incredible group of artists.  It has truly been an honor to be a part of this amazing team.  I wish Randy, Ken, Steve, Jen, the incredible A&R team and all of the amazing staff at Sony Music Nashville continued success.”
Love you all.
Catino