Sony Music has sought to calm staff concerns after reports of fresh workplace complaints against its Australian chief executive, Vanessa Picken.

The move follows an article in The Sunday Telegraph detailing new allegations from employees accusing Picken of fostering a “toxic workplace culture”.

The complaints, some made through Sony’s anonymous whistleblower hotline, have not yet been investigated and remain untested.

In response, Sony Music’s global chief people experience officer Andrew Davis issued a company-wide email reminding staff of available support services.

“We take all concerns very seriously,” he wrote, emphasising the company’s commitment to “an inclusive and respectful workplace” and urging employees to remain focused on supporting artists.

The latest claims come only months after an earlier investigation by external counsel into separate allegations against Picken found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Those complaints included claims she undermined senior staff and made inappropriate remarks about employees, including those on maternity leave.

Picken, who became the first woman to lead a major record label in Australia when she was appointed CEO and chair in 2022, has publicly defended her leadership.

In a statement, she said her mandate was to drive “urgent and complex cultural transformation” at Sony Music Australia. “Meaningful cultural change is challenging,” she added, “but I am proud of our achievements to date and acknowledge there is always more to do.”

Sony Music Entertainment, headquartered in New York, also issued a statement stressing it would review all matters “thoroughly and fairly” while meeting its legal and governance obligations. The company rejected suggestions it had mishandled prior investigations.

Picken’s tenure has coincided with a period of transition for Sony Music following the 2021 dismissal of long-serving CEO Denis Handlin after widespread scrutiny of the company’s workplace culture.

While Sony’s global leadership positioned Picken as a reset for the business, more than 20 staff have departed since her appointment, including several senior executives.

Sony Music declined to comment further on the latest allegations.