Jay Dee Springbett has been found dead at his home in Sydney.
The former Australian Idol judge, 36, was discovered after paramedics were called to reports of a suspected heart attack.
He was found unconscious in his apartment in eastern Sydney about 3.30pm yesterday.
His death is not being treated as suspicious by New South Wales police.
Sony boss Denis Handlin told a local radio show that he became concerned for Springbett’s welfare when he failed to answer his phone.
“We thought we better let the police know because it’s really not like him and then of course they went to his residence and found him,” he said.
“It’s just so difficult coming to terms with it.”
Springbett was the Senior Director of A&R for Sony Records, and was experienced developing talent in the UK and Australia after 2004.