Warner Music Group has promoted John Esposito to chairman & CEO of Warner Music Nashville (WMN). Esposito has been president & CEO of Warner Music Nashville since 2009, when the division was established to expand WMG’s presence in Music City.
WMN’s labels include Warner Bros. Nashville, Elektra Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, and Loudmouth Records. In his new post, Esposito will continue to report to WMG CEO Steve Cooper.
Coinciding with his promotion to WMN chairman, Esposito will be honored this Tuesday, May 17, when he will receive the prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement from the Music Business Association (Music Biz).
The presentation will take place during the Music Biz 2016 convention, held this year in Nashville. Music Biz president James Donio said: “John has devoted his considerable talents to our industry for more than 30 years to advance the growth and vitality of the music business.”
During Esposito’s tenure at WMN, the company has enjoyed a three-fold increase in its share of the country singles charts, with seven artists achieving their first No. 1 under his leadership, including Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Frankie Ballard, Michael Ray, Chris Janson, and Dan + Shay.
Prior to moving to Nashville, Esposito served as president and CEO of WEA Corp., WMG’s sales and marketing division. He joined WMG in 2002 from The Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) where, as general manager/executive vice president, he managed the company’s day-to-day operational activities. Prior to IDJ, Esposito held a variety of executive positions at PolyGram, Inc.
“Since taking over our Nashville operations nearly seven years ago, Espo has done a stellar job in making us a major force in country music,” said Steve Cooper. “Driven by his innovative thinking, inspiring leadership, and infectious enthusiasm, WMN has attracted and developed a fresh roster of amazing artists, built a world-class executive team, and delivered exceptional results. With Espo at the helm, we are expanding our commitment to Nashville and country music at large.”
“Nashville’s music community has an energy and creativity that are mind-blowing, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said John Esposito. “Warner Music Nashville is blessed to work with brilliant artists who make tremendously exciting music, and are supported by the best A&R, marketing, and promotion teams in the business. We strive every day to create the most nurturing environment for our artists to do their best work, and we are thrilled to see our efforts bear fruit with a constant flow of hit records and industry awards. I look forward to the next chapter in building this great company.”
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