Rob Stringer will indeed, as has been hinted here, take over as CEO of Sony Music in 2017, the company has announced. The current Columbia Chairman will report to Sony Corporation chief Michael Lynton in the new post, which he is slated to assume in April, succeeding the venerable Doug Morris.

Rumors of Stringer’s elevation have circulated for some time.

Look for Sony Music EVP/CFO Kevin Kelleher to be elevated as well. Meanwhile, who will move to the top position at Columbia when Stringer moves upstairs? Stay tuned for details.

Stringer's Columbia took the #1 spot in our recent rundown of SPS marketshare. His megastar Adele was recently awarded the ultra-rare Diamond Award; she and labelmate Beyoncé are considered top contenders for Grammy glory.

OK, let's get to the quotes.

“Rob Stringer is one of the most skilled and successful executives in the music industry," Lynton noted. "His efforts and achievements at Columbia have contributed immeasurably to the overall strength of Sony Music worldwide.

“Not only is he a tremendous developer of talent and nurturer of stars who has overseen numerous massive hits, but also he is an innovator who understands how to grow revenue and market share in the rapidly changing music business. His ability to adapt to meet the needs of artists and fans in a dynamic marketplace that mixes digital audio, visual media and physical goods makes him the perfect fit to head the company moving forward. I am thrilled to have him leading Sony Music’s next chapter.”

“I want to thank Doug for his dedication and continued commitment to Sony Music," reads Lynton's statement. "He has been an innovative force in the music business for over five decades and I look forward to working with him in this next phase of his outstanding career. Since 2011, he has expertly led Sony Music through some of the most transformative and challenging issues facing the music industry, while each year increasing the company’s market share and profitability. His passion for music, devotion to artists and tireless energy has made Sony Music the industry leader it is today.”

“I am extremely proud of the great leadership team and organization we have built at Sony Music," Morris stated. "Our focus on building and maintaining the best creative centers led by world-class executives has yielded fantastic success over the last six years. Rob is a passionate and competitive executive who understands the importance and value of hits, and like a heat-seeking missile, he locks onto great artists. Most importantly, he is one of the finest people I know. And moving forward, Sony Music Entertainment will be in the great hands of Rob Stringer. I look forward to continue working with Michael, Rob and the rest of the Sony family moving forward.”

For his part, Stringer, noted, “As someone who has spent his entire career at Sony Music, it is a tremendous honor to be named CEO. I would like to thank Kaz Hirai and Michael Lynton for believing in the value and power of music, and for their continuing support of me. I’d also like to extend a special thanks to Doug for both his friendship and mentorship to me personally, as well as for the great leadership and service he has provided to Sony Music."

“This is a time of enormous opportunity and change for the music business," Stringer concluded. "I am excited to work with the great team we have built at Sony Music to continue to be a champion for artists, and further adapt and grow the business as we meet the challenges ahead.”