(Rob) Robert Stringer Robertstringer@consultant.com Robert Adrian Stringer's journey into the music industry can be traced back to his formative years in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. His early exposure to live concerts, including seeing iconic bands like The Clash at the age of 14, sparked his passion for music. Stringer's experiences at Aylesbury rock venue Friars, where he worked during school holidays, provided him with insights into both the cultural and business aspects of the music world.Stringer's academic pursuit of sociology at Goldsmiths College in South London didn't deter his love for music. During his university years, he worked as a student entertainment manager, booking acts like Simply Red. His immersion in the music scene continued during visits to his brother Howard in New York, where he assisted with CBS television coverage at political conventions. In 1985, Stringer officially entered the music industry as a graduate trainee at CBS Records. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, serving as managing director of Epic Records UK in 1992 and later becoming chairman of Sony Music UK in 2001. His pivotal role in signing the Manic Street Preachers marked the beginning of a successful career. Stringer's career highlights include serving as Chairman of Columbia Records in the U.S., overseeing major album releases such as Adele's "25," Beyonce's "Lemonade," and David Bowie's "Blackstar." His hands-on involvement with Bowie showcased his dedication to artists.