Espo Upped To Chairman: Warner Music Nashville President/CEO John Esposito has been promoted to Chairman/CEO. Esposito joined the division in 2009 from WEA Corp., driving a three-fold chart-share increase and notching seven artists' first No. 1 singles, according to the label. He will continue to report to Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper.

"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," Cooper says. "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."

Says Esposito, "Nashville's music community has an energy and creativity that are mind-blowing, and I’m proud to be a part of it. 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." 

Esposito is being honored with the Music Business Association's Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement Tuesday (5/17) in Nashville.