Warner's Kline, Lacy Up: Warner Music Nashville SVP/Global Revenue & Touring Ben Kline as been promoted to the newly created post of EVP/GM, and SVP/A&R Cris Lacy has been upped to EVP of the department. EVP/A&R Scott Hendricks has been named EVP A&R/Creative Advisor. Each reports to Chairman/CEO John Esposito.
Lacy will lead the A&R team, continuing to oversee day-to-day operations as Hendricks' contract is extended. Kline will oversee Radio & Streaming, Artist Development, Touring and International. “Ben and Cris have played a key role in our success and empowering them further will continue to strengthen us for years to come," Esposito says.
“Our artists and the stories they tell are the soul of Warner Music Nashville,” says Lacy, who was named SVP in 2017, “I’m in awe of them, and in awe of the tireless village at this label that brings those stories to light."
Kline joined the company in 2014. He says, “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 ... I’d like to thank Espo and our COO Matt Signore for this opportunity.”
“The changes we are putting in place allow me to spend more time in the studio while I continue my work in A&R,” says Hendricks. "When Cris Lacy first pitched me songs 24 years ago, I knew she was special, and these past 11 years working together as teammates have been seamless."