Robold Helms Southern Ground: Former Universal Music Group/Nashville EVP/GM Ken Robold has been named President of Southern Ground Artists. He will oversee the record label, publishing arm and studio division of Zac Brown's company, whose roster includes the Zac Brown Band, Blackberry Smoke, Clay Cook, Nic Cowan, Sonia Leigh, Levi Lowery, The Wheeler Boys and The Wood Brothers. Robold spent 22 years at Polygram/UMG, departing in the EMI merger last year (Breaking News 10/10/12).

"My vision for Southern Ground Artists has always been to create a home for diverse and talented songwriters," Brown says. "Based on Ken's work at UMG/Nashville, and particularly at Lost Highway, he is the perfect fit to head up the label."

Robold adds, "To get to work with an artist such as Zac Brown at an artist-owned, entrepreneurial company is simply a dream come true. While getting to know Zac in the last few months, I have found that his talent and creativity are surpassed only by what a quality human being he is. I’m looking forward to building this company together."