Steve Ackerman

Board Advisor | Media & Creative Businesses | Former EVP Global Podcasts, Sony Music Entertainment | Exited co-owner Somethin’ Else

London, England, United Kingdom

About

I work with media, entertainment and creative businesses as a board adviser and strategic consultant, helping leadership teams develop new IP, expand internationally and build scalable content businesses. Previously I was Executive Vice President and Head of Global Podcasts at Sony Music Entertainment where I built and led the company’s global podcast division across the US and UK. Before Sony I co-owned and ran Somethin’ Else for over 20 years, building it into a successful multi-platform producer before selling the business to Sony Music in 2021. I'm a Fellow of the UK Radio Academy and repeatedly named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the “40 Most Powerful People in Podcasting”.

Experience

  • Non Executive Director at The Podcast Show
    Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    Board member focused on business and editorial

  • Non-Executive Director, Advisor and Consultant at Freelance
    Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

    I work with companies, investors and founders on board and advisory roles focused on growth strategy, IP development, content development and international expansion in media & entertainment, digital content and the creator economy.

  • Executive Vice President, Head of Global Podcasts at Sony Music Entertainment
    Jun 2021 - Dec 2025 · 4 yrs 7 mos

    Led Sony Music’s Global Podcast Division through a period of rapid growth, strategic expansion and industry evolution following the acquisition of Somethin’ Else. Built and scaled international teams in US and UK, oversaw global content strategy and operations, and drove creative, commercial and strategic partnerships across audio, video and digital platforms. Directed key acquisitions and partnerships to broaden the division’s creative footprint. Key highlights • Created and steered global podcast strategy (audio, video and social) across US, UK and international markets. • Oversaw integration of Somethin’ Else into Sony Music and subsequent operational expansion. • Led acquisition and strategic expansion initiatives, including the integration of Neon Hum Media into the US creative division. • Built high-performance, cross-disciplinary teams focused on premium content creation, business growth and innovation. • Mentored leadership across creative, commercial and operations functions

  • Co-owner and Board Director at Somethin'​ Else
    Jan 2000 - Jun 2021 · 21 yrs 6 mos

    Helped transform Somethin’ Else from a small independent audio production business into one of the UK’s leading multi-platform content companies, recognised with BAFTAs, Cannes Lions, Sony Radio Awards and British Podcast Awards for excellence across audio, TV and social content production. Key highlights • Directed strategy, partnerships, commercial development and creative leadership for a multi-award-winning content company. • Grew international footprint in US and expanded into new platforms and formats long before the broader market shift regarding podcasting and cross-platform entertainment. • Orchestrated strategic acquisition by Sony Music Entertainment and led integration into its global content ecosystem. • Built strong creative and commercial culture

  • Non Executive Director at A New Direction
    Mar 2014 - May 2016 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Advising non-profit bringing arts and culture to disadvantaged London children