Austen Adams has been appointed President of Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville.
The respected executive joins the company from Big Loud, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of its Publishing and Records divisions for six years. He worked with talent including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest, and Stephen Wilson Jr., among many others.
Adams will report to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall, effective September 15.
Commenting on his appointment, Moot and Marshall said: “Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial.”
“With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity, and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall
They added: “Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us.
“We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities.
“With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity, and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Ben Vaughn, the widely-respected former President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, passed away in January, aged 49.
According to Wednesday’s (August 13) announcement, during his tenure at Big Loud, Adams “was a major force behind the company’s explosive growth – including the expansion of its staff from under 30 to over 100”.
Big Loud’s roster of songwriters, including co-founders Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi, has penned over 300 singles, earned three Grammy awards, and tallied 90 No.1 hits to date.
WCM noted on Wednesday that, “with two decades of experience, [Adams’] deep blend of expertise also spans artist management and entertainment law”.
Prior to Big Loud, Adams worked in artist management and spent over 15 years as a respected entertainment attorney, where he represented both artists and executives, negotiating and structuring records and publishing deals and joint ventures.
He has been honored on Billboard’s Country and Indie Power Players lists and named to Leadership Music (Class of 2019).
“I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built.”
Austen Adams
Adams said: “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built.
“I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways.
“Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig, and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”
Elsewhere in Nashville, in September 2024, Warner Music Group veteran Gregg Nadel, who most recently served as President of Elektra Entertainment, was appointed Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville, working alongside Cris Lacy, who has been co-head of WMN for the past two years.
Other recent C-suite changes at the major music companies in Nashville included Taylor Lindsey’s recent promotion to Chairman and CEO at Sony Music Nashville.
Also in September, Universal Music Group Nashville appointed Robert Kilduff as Chief Financial Officer.
In February, Mike Harris was named CEO of UMG Nashville; while Dave Cobb was appointed Chief Creative Officer.
And in May, Candice Watkins was appointed President of Capitol Records Nashville (and will also serve as Executive Vice President of Capitol Christian Music Group).
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