Mark Pitts Launches New Venture Cofvnders, Steps Down as RCA Records President (EXCLUSIVE)

Veteran music executive Mark Pitts has stepped down from his role as president of RCA Records, a flagship label under Sony Music, to launch a new venture. His newly formed multi-media management company, Cofvnders, will see Pitts maintain ties to his former employer by consulting on projects for the roster of artists he helped cultivate during his tenure. The move, confirmed this Tuesday, marks a significant shift for a figure deeply embedded in the label's recent history.

Cofvnders, which will operate from both New York and Los Angeles, is already making waves behind the scenes. The firm played a key organizational role in assembling "The R&B Tour," a high-profile concert series co-headlined by Usher and Chris Brown that is produced in partnership with Live Nation. The tour is set to launch on June 25th in Denver, Colorado. Industry observers point out that such a dual-headliner strategy, uniting two of the genre's biggest stars, is a calculated effort to capture both the lucrative summer live music market and concurrent streaming attention. "Pairing established stars for a joint tour creates a cultural moment that transcends the music itself, driving engagement across all platforms," noted a veteran concert promoter, highlighting the strategic thinking behind such ventures.

Beyond domestic tours, Pitts's vision extends globally through a collaborative international effort. He has co-founded the Tokyo Sound Continuum with entertainment attorney and entrepreneur Tamayu Takayama. This innovative songwriting initiative is designed to bridge creative communities by linking U.S. music producers with Japanese songwriters, producers, and artists. The program has secured support from the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs via its Creator Support Fund. Pitts's long-term goal for the platform is to foster a sustainable pipeline for exporting Japanese musical artistry to international audiences, a move that could significantly influence global music trends.

Pitts's departure concludes a multifaceted chapter where he led RCA Records while simultaneously serving as CEO of ByStorm Entertainment, the imprint he established in 1998. ByStorm's roster has included major names like Chris Brown and Grammy-winning artist Miguel. A Brooklyn native, Pitts first gained recognition as a producer in the 1990s, working on seminal projects for iconic artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans. He later ascended the executive ranks, holding the position of VP of A&R at Arista Records before becoming president of urban music at Jive Records, where he also managed the early career of acclaimed rapper J. Cole.

In a statement reflecting on his career shift, Pitts expressed pride in his accomplishments. "I’m proud of everything we built at RCA. I feel blessed to have played a part in shaping some of the most important careers in music, but even more importantly, in leading and helping guide the lives of young women and men. That’s legacy," he said. He added that he looks forward to his continued advisory role with RCA and Sony Music while feeling "more energized than ever" about Cofvnders. "After more than 25 years in this business, to still feel this level of excitement is a blessing in itself," Pitts remarked, signaling a new beginning rather than a retirement from the industry he helped shape.