Warner Music Group has promoted John Esposito to Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Nashville. Esposito has been President of Warner Music Nashville since 2009, when the division was established.
WMN’s labels include Warner Bros. Nashville, Elektra Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, and Loudmouth Records.
“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 WMG CEO 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.”
Coinciding with his promotion, Esposito will be honored this Tuesday, May 17th with the Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement from the Music Business Association (Music Biz) He will will join the ranks of previous recipients include including Frank Sinatra, Dick Clark, Walter Yetnikoff, Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, and Clive Davis, among others.
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, including Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Frankie Ballard, Michael Ray, Chris Janson, and Dan + Shay. Over the same period, WMN artists have produced seven Platinum albums and 16 Platinum singles.