Shearer has been with Sony for nearly 30 years, joining the studio in 1996 as director of internal audit for Sony Corporation of America.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced the appointment of Drew Shearer as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 1, 2024. Shearer will succeed Philip Rowley, who will step down after eight years at the company.
Shearer, who has been with SPE for nearly 30 years, began his tenure in 1996 as Director of Internal Audit for Sony Corporation of America. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Finance Director of Sony Pictures Television Studios and Divisional CFO of Sony Pictures Television’s global businesses. In 2014, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Group Divisional Chief Financial Officer, overseeing global financial affairs for the studio’s corporate departments, content development, production, marketing, and sales businesses, as well as linear and digital networks. Prior to joining SPE, Shearer worked in the Audit practice at Deloitte & Touche LLC in Detroit, Michigan.
Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said: “Drew knows our business inside and out and his financial insights and efficiencies have driven strong results for our company. We look forward to his astute leadership at a dynamic time for our industry. I’d also like to thank Philip for his remarkable work at the company over the past eight years. He’s added tremendous value and driven significant corporate transformation for the company while navigating an ever-evolving industry landscape. He has positioned the studio well for continued strength and growth.”
Rowley added: “I have had a wonderful time here at Sony Pictures, having had the great pleasure of working with so many talented and committed people. The last few years have been very successful for this company, and I feel very privileged to have been a part of that.”
Philip Rowley, who joined SPE as Senior Executive Vice President and CFO in 2016, has implemented significant changes, including new forecasting and budgeting methodologies, mid-range planning models, and cross-company data initiatives, resulting in substantial cost reductions. Before SPE, Rowley served as CEO of AOL Europe, Group Finance Director at Kingfisher plc, and CFO of EMI Music Worldwide. Rowley has also held several non-executive board positions, including at ARM Holdings plc, where he chaired the audit and remuneration committees, HMV Group plc, and Promethean World plc.
