An array of international music biz heavyweights, including the likes of Sony Music Entertainment chairman and CEO Doug Morris and Access Industries founder Len Blavatnik, have paid tribute to revered artist manager Sarah Stennett, who scooped the coveted Strat Award at the 2017 Music Week Awards.
Stennett, whose First Access Entertainment firm manages artists such as Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha and Zayn, received the Strat Award for her wide-ranging achievements and contribution to the industry.
Blavatnik presented Stennett with her award on the night and also hailed her outstanding career in a special tribute video featuring a host of industry luminaries from both sides of the pond.
“I’m so excited for you to receive this very prestigious award,” said Blavatnik. “Thank you for being a great partner and a great leader. I’m excited that you are following in the footsteps of other greats like Sir Lucian Grainge. Remember, after he received the Strat Award he was knighted, so I have very high hopes for you as well. All the best, good luck, with great appreciation, Len.”
Doug Morris added: “Sarah fully deserves this award, she is one of a kind. I know everyone at Sony joins me in wishing you the most outstanding evening.”
Jason Iley, chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK, also paid tribute: “She challenges executives, she challenges her artists, she always pushes for the best and I’m proud that she’s one of my friends.”
Last year’s Strat Award winner and legendary Universal Music Group International executive Max Hole, said: “I offer my sincere congratulations. And I’m sure your success will continue for many, many, years.”
UK star and Stennett client Rita Ora said: “You are my soldier. Congratulations on your Strat Award. I don’t know what I would do without you. I love you so much.”
Craig Kallman, chairman and CEO, Atlantic Records: “Congratulations on your Strat Award, it is so well deserved.”
Max Lousada, chairman and CEO, Warner Music UK: "Congratulations on your Strat Award from everyone at Warner Music. You’ve been an incredible partner to all of us and an amazing champion to many artists.”
Meanwhile, Mike McCormack, MD, Universal Music Publishing UK, commented: “What you have done in the time you’ve been in the industry is nothing short of extraordinary. “
Charlie Walk, president, Republic Records, said: “Her vision, strategy and execution is like no one else’s. I’m sure you’ve all been on the other end of the phone when Sarah’s calling you in the middle of the night or waking you up in the morning, and for that reason alone, her artists win, and she wins.”
Darcus Beese, president, Island Records added: “Congratulations on everything. We’ve known each other for a couple of decades now and, apart from being my first ever lawyer, and together having my first No.1 with the Sugababes, massive success with Jessie J, you’ve mentored me, inspired me, and everything coming your way you deserve.”
Peter Leathem, chief executive, PPL: “My team have come up with the following words to describe you: Dynamic, dominant, risk taker, no rules, plays hardball, commanding, surprising, persuasive and powerful.”
Nadia Khan, artist manager: “Congratulations, Sarah. You are a phenomenal leader, mentor, employer, badass bitch and, most importantly, woman.”
Bebe Rexha: “I remember the first time you flew out to Maryland to meet me and the first time we spoke on the phone and we just immediately connected creatively and I love all your passion and belief in artists. You’re incredible at what you do and I’m so blessed to work with you.”
Ellie Goulding: “Congratulations on your award. It’s truly deserved and I’m so lucky to work with you. You’re such a brilliant person, you’re an inspiration to me, you’re such a strong woman in the music industry.”
You can read Stennett’s acceptance speech in full here, while all the highlights and winners for the 2017 Music Week Awards can be found here.
