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Warner Music Nashville is proud to announce the promotions of Cris Lacy to Executive Vice President, A&R and Ben Kline to Executive Vice President/General Manager. Additionally, Scott Hendricks moves to the role of EVP A&R/Creative Advisor. All three positions will report to WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito.

 

“I could not be prouder of the accomplishments of this label, our artists, executives and dedicated staff,” Esposito said. “Ben and Cris have played a key role in our success and empowering them further will continue to strengthen us for years to come.” 

 

Cris Lacy ascends from SVP A&R, a position she has held since 2017, to EVP. She will lead the A&R team in seeking out and signing new artists and working with them on repertoire, while providing resources and creative support to the existing roster. She will continue to oversee the department’s day-to-day operations.

 

“Our artists and the stories they tell are the soul of Warner Music Nashville,” Lacy said. “I’m in awe of them, and in awe of the tireless village at this label that brings those stories to light. No one is more passionate and tireless than our leader, John Esposito, and no one has taught me more about the business of A&R than my mentor Scott Hendricks. I’m grateful to both of them for this opportunity, and with the expertise of the A&R team, I’m eager to build upon the unique and precious culture that is WMN.”

 

“It is widely known that Cris Lacy is revered as one of the top A&R executives in the music industry,” Esposito said. “Her passion and knowledge of and for music is equaled only by her level of humanity. She has been named to every executive list there is – and rightfully so. Her unparalleled ability to connect with artists has led to Cody Johnson, Devin Dawson, superstar Kenny Chesney and this year’s ACM New Female of the Year winner Ashley McBryde joining our roster, to name a few. If there’s an authentic artist looking for a record deal, they are talking to Cris Lacy.”

 

In the newly created position of EVP/General Manager, Kline will oversee WMN’s Radio & Streaming, Artist Development, Touring and International departments. “I’m incredibly lucky to work with so many talented, passionate and driven people,” said Kline, who joined the company in 2014 as VP of Revenue and elevated to SVP Global Revenue & Touring in 2017. “The strides we’ve made under Shane Tarleton’s leadership in marketing and Kristen Williams’ in radio and streaming speak to how well we are positioned in this evolving landscape. There’s no place else I want to be, and I’d like to thank Espo and our COO Matt Signore for this opportunity.”

 

Of Kline, Esposito said, “Ben’s leadership and in-depth knowledge of the marketplace helped drive a year of historic revenue and expand our global impact. He is respected by both the WMN staff and the industry outside of our building – and as his neighbors can attest, no one plays their music in the office louder than he does.”

 

In his new role as EVP A&R/Creative Advisor, Hendricks has extended his contract and will report directly to Esposito. He will continue to identify new artists and songs in addition to his celebrated work in the studio. “Scott has been instrumental in building this label and I’m excited to work with his genius as he takes on this exciting and innovative position” Esposito said.

 

Hendricks’s production credits include 73 No. 1 singles amongst nearly 120 Top 10 tracks from artists including Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Tegan Marie and more. Hendricks is currently in the studio producing new music for Blake Shelton and up-and-coming artist Trea Landon, who is recording his debut Warner Music Nashville project.

 

“The changes we are putting in place allow me to spend more time in the studio while I continue my work in A&R,” Hendricks said. “When Cris Lacy first pitched me songs 24 years ago, I knew she was special, and these past 11 years working together as teammates has been seamless. Her work ethic and passion are unmatched, and I’m so proud of all she has accomplished. She will certainly take WMN to new heights as she leads and oversees this department.”

 

Said Esposito, “I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the music business for many years, and now, approaching my tenth anniversary at Warner Music Nashville, I can say unequivocally these last two have been the best of my professional life. Along with our COO Matt Signore, Scott, Ben, Cris and our entire team, I am excited for the future knowing that our best days lie ahead.”

 

Blog date
Cris Lacy and Ben Kline
WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE PROMOTES CRIS LACY TO EVP A&R, NAMES BEN KLINE EVP/GENERAL MANAGER

Warner Music Nashville is proud to announce the promotions of Cris Lacy to Executive Vice President, A&R and Ben Kline to Executive Vice President/General Manager. Additionally, Scott Hendricks moves to the role of EVP A&R/Creative Advisor. All three positions will report to WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito.

 

“I could not be prouder of the accomplishments of this label, our artists, executives and dedicated staff,” Esposito said. “Ben and Cris have played a key role in our success and empowering them further will continue to strengthen us for years to come.” 

 

Cris Lacy ascends from SVP A&R, a position she has held since 2017, to EVP. She will lead the A&R team in seeking out and signing new artists and working with them on repertoire, while providing resources and creative support to the existing roster. She will continue to oversee the department’s day-to-day operations.

 

“Our artists and the stories they tell are the soul of Warner Music Nashville,” Lacy said. “I’m in awe of them, and in awe of the tireless village at this label that brings those stories to light. No one is more passionate and tireless than our leader, John Esposito, and no one has taught me more about the business of A&R than my mentor Scott Hendricks. I’m grateful to both of them for this opportunity, and with the expertise of the A&R team, I’m eager to build upon the unique and precious culture that is WMN.”

 

“It is widely known that Cris Lacy is revered as one of the top A&R executives in the music industry,” Esposito said. “Her passion and knowledge of and for music is equaled only by her level of humanity. She has been named to every executive list there is – and rightfully so. Her unparalleled ability to connect with artists has led to Cody Johnson, Devin Dawson, superstar Kenny Chesney and this year’s ACM New Female of the Year winner Ashley McBryde joining our roster, to name a few. If there’s an authentic artist looking for a record deal, they are talking to Cris Lacy.”

 

In the newly created position of EVP/General Manager, Kline will oversee WMN’s Radio & Streaming, Artist Development, Touring and International departments. “I’m incredibly lucky to work with so many talented, passionate and driven people,” said Kline, who joined the company in 2014 as VP of Revenue and elevated to SVP Global Revenue & Touring in 2017. “The strides we’ve made under Shane Tarleton’s leadership in marketing and Kristen Williams’ in radio and streaming speak to how well we are positioned in this evolving landscape. There’s no place else I want to be, and I’d like to thank Espo and our COO Matt Signore for this opportunity.”

 

Of Kline, Esposito said, “Ben’s leadership and in-depth knowledge of the marketplace helped drive a year of historic revenue and expand our global impact. He is respected by both the WMN staff and the industry outside of our building – and as his neighbors can attest, no one plays their music in the office louder than he does.”

 

In his new role as EVP A&R/Creative Advisor, Hendricks has extended his contract and will report directly to Esposito. He will continue to identify new artists and songs in addition to his celebrated work in the studio. “Scott has been instrumental in building this label and I’m excited to work with his genius as he takes on this exciting and innovative position” Esposito said.

 

Hendricks’s production credits include 73 No. 1 singles amongst nearly 120 Top 10 tracks from artists including Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Tegan Marie and more. Hendricks is currently in the studio producing new music for Blake Shelton and up-and-coming artist Trea Landon, who is recording his debut Warner Music Nashville project.

 

“The changes we are putting in place allow me to spend more time in the studio while I continue my work in A&R,” Hendricks said. “When Cris Lacy first pitched me songs 24 years ago, I knew she was special, and these past 11 years working together as teammates has been seamless. Her work ethic and passion are unmatched, and I’m so proud of all she has accomplished. She will certainly take WMN to new heights as she leads and oversees this department.”

 

Said Esposito, “I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the music business for many years, and now, approaching my tenth anniversary at Warner Music Nashville, I can say unequivocally these last two have been the best of my professional life. Along with our COO Matt Signore, Scott, Ben, Cris and our entire team, I am excited for the future knowing that our best days lie ahead.”

 

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