Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt had a good reason to skip town yesterday (11/5), as he was honored as International Executive of the Year at Music Business Worldwide's Music Business U.K. Awards in London.

The honor is given to the leader of a non-British company who has "substantially furthered the prominence and success of U.K. and Irish music across the previous 12 months."

SMP has enjoyed success in 2024 with a number of acts from across the pond, including Charli xcx, Myles Smith, beabadoobee, Calvin Harris, Central Cee and Hozier.

In his speech, Platt saluted mentors and colleagues such as Sony Music Chairman Rob Stringer, Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson and Warner Chappell Co-Chair/CEO Guy Moot, as well as U.K. songwriters such as MNEK and Al Shux, who co-wrote Beyoncé's "Hold Up" and co-produced Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," respectively.

"We sacrifice a lot for the talent that we work with, being away from our families, traveling the world," Platt said. "I didn’t realize how many people I knew in the U.K., because it’s been decades, but I know so many people, and I got to feel that love when I walked in tonight. It’s like a family. But it’s also our family’s sacrifice to allow us to be a part of this family."

"I just wanted to congratulate and say thank you to all the U.K. songwriters for all you do for this industry, and what you do for the world, and allowing me just to be a part of it," he continued.