Cris Lacy has been appointed Chair and President of the newly rebranded Warner Records Nashville (formerly Warner Music Nashville).
Lacy reports to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck, and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson.
Former Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Gregg Nadel will be taking on a new leadership role within Warner Music Group. The company said details about Nadel’s new role will be announced shortly.
The press release announcing the news described the move in Nashville as the latest “in the expansion of the Warner Records Group”. It said that Lacy’s appointment comes as the “company continues to build a unified global structure that crosses genres and geographies”.
The announcement added that “with the establishment of Warner Records Nashville, the label’s activities will be more closely aligned with the Warner Records Group team to support and ignite country music’s cultural resonance and global potential.”
WMG said that Warner Records Nashville has been part of Warner Records Group since September 2024, alongside Warner Records US and Warner Records UK.
The Nashville company’s roster includes Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Dasha, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress, Randy Travis, and Warren Zeiders, among others.
Lacy, a 20-year veteran of Warner Music Nashville’s operations, was first appointed Co-President in 2022 alongside Ben Kline, who stepped down in 2024 and was succeeded by Gregg Nadel.
(Kline and Lacy succeeded John “Espo” Esposito, who exited Warner Music Nashville in April 2023 after 14 years as the company’s leader)
WMG has also unveiled a new logo for Warner Records Nashville, one that’s in keeping with the Warner Records logo unveiled in 2019.
“This is an exciting next step as we continue to forge a global ecosystem that amplifies our competitive edge and impact for our artists.”
Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson, Warner Records Group
“This rebrand marks an exciting new era for our flagship Nashville label – one that builds on everything that already makes it so special, guided by Cris’ extraordinary leadership,” Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson said in a joint statement.
“Her passion, vision, and unwavering respect for artistry define the label’s spirit and have earned the trust of the Nashville community. Together, we’re collaborating closer, and expanding the reach and opportunities for artists in a genre where the future feels limitless. This is an exciting next step as we continue to forge a global ecosystem that amplifies our competitive edge and impact for our artists.”
“Warner Records is a powerful brand, and we know that we’re stronger when we work together to propel our artists and their life’s work to new heights.”
Cris Lacy
Cris Lacy added: “Nashville has always been synonymous with exceptional storytelling, expertly crafted lyrics, and incomparable musicianship. Its growing influence is permeating other genres, and is increasingly found front and center on the world’s stage.
“This move formalizes the cross-pollination that we’ve been developing over the years with our Los Angeles colleagues across areas such as A&R, marketing strategy, data/research, business affairs, and radio promotion.
“Warner Records is a powerful brand, and we know that we’re stronger when we work together to propel our artists and their life’s work to new heights.”Music Business Worldwide
