Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine (Gregg Nadel)
With Warner Music Nashville now firmly under the Warner Records umbrella, there are some changes to leadership at the top. Ben Kline is stepping down after a decade with the company, while Gregg Nadel was appointed Co-Chair & Co-President alongside Cris Lacy.
Based out of the Nashville office, Nadel and Lacy will report to Warner Records CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson, who both direct report to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl. The move is effective October 1, while Nadel, Lacy, and their teams will continue to work with Nashville artists co-signed to Atlantic Music Group.
Gregg Nadel has three decades of music industry experience under his belt, most recently serving as the President of Elektra Entertainment. He has signed or championed acclaimed country and roots-based artists including Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Sturgill Simpson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Brittney Spencer, among many other artists across multiple genres.
“Gregg grew up at WMG, and over the past three decades, he’s brought his impeccable taste, wisdom, and guidance to an exceptional array of original, powerful voices,” adds Aaron Bay-Schuck. “He’s an ambidextrous A&R marketing expert with a global perspective, which will be a tremendous asset at a time when Nashville artists are crossing boundaries and reaching the world stage like never before.”
“Like Gregg, Cris has expanded from her roots as an A&R force into a true multi-dimensional leader, and together, they’ll be a phenomenal team to take Warner Music Nashville into a dynamic future,” Bay-Schuck concludes.
“I’ve had the honor of working with incredibly talented artists across many sounds and styles, and through it all, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the heartfelt music that comes from Nashville’s rich creative culture,” adds Gregg Nadel. “I’m excited to be diving deeper into this brilliant community of musicians and storytellers, and I’m especially excited about working alongside Cris Lacy and the entire team. Thank you to Tom and Aaron for this incredible opportunity.”
“Thanks to WMG’s cross-label and cross-genre philosophy, Gregg and I have been collaborating within the company for over a decade,” adds Cris Lacy. “We’re both rooted in a deep love of the music that comes into and out of Nashville. Gregg brings a unique, wide-ranging perspective to what will be a fantastic partnership. He has long invested in the culture and the community of this town, and together, we are fiercely committed to amplifying what makes its music so special. My heartfelt thanks and admiration go to Ben. It’s been a great ride, and his expertise, leadership, and friendship have made it all the more gratifying. I wish him the very best in all things to come.”
“Together, we’ve grown Warner Music Nashville to new heights and played vital roles in the development of so many artists,” adds Ben Kline. “Thanks to WMG leadership for all of the opportunities, faith, and guidance along the way. And thank you to Cris Lacy for her never-wavering support for the artists and their musical visions. I’m excited for the next adventure.”
Prior to being named President of Elektra Entertainment in 2017, Nadel served as General Manager of Elektra Records and before that was SVP, A&R and Marketing, for Atlantic Records. A 27-year veteran of WMG, Nadel joined Atlantic straight out of college in 1997.
In his marketing capacity, he has spearheaded high-profile campaigns for global superstars such as Ed Sheeran, who he’s worked with since the early days of Sheeran’s career.
