WMN Ups Lacy, Kline, Hendricks
• Warner Music Nashville is proud to announce the promotions of Cris Lacy to Executive Vice President, A&R and Ben Kline to Executive Vice President/General Manager. At the same time, Scott Hendricks is named EVP A&R/Creative Advisor. All three report to WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito, who said of Lacy and Kline, “I could not be prouder of the accomplishments of this label, our artists, executives and dedicated staff. Ben and Cris have played a key role in our success and empowering them further will continue to strengthen us for years to come.”
Lacy (left) has served as SVP A&R since 2017, to EVP. She will continue to oversee the department’s day-to-day operations. “It’s widely known that Cris Lacy is revered as one of the top A&R executives in the music industry,” Esposito said. “Her passion and knowledge of and for music is equaled only by her level of humanity. She has been named to every executive list there is — and rightfully so. Her unparalleled ability to connect with artists has led to Cody Johnson, Devin Dawson, superstar Kenny Chesney and this year’s ACM New Female of the Year winner Ashley McBryde joining our roster, to name a few. If there’s an authentic artist looking for a record deal, they are talking to Cris Lacy.”
In the newly created position of EVP/GM, Kline (center) will oversee WMN’s Radio & Streaming, Artist Development, Touring and International departments. Kline joined the company in 2014 as VP of Revenue and was upped to SVP Global Revenue & Touring in 2017. Espo said, “Ben’s leadership and in-depth knowledge of the marketplace helped drive a year of historic revenue and expand our global impact. He’s respected by both the WMN staff and the industry outside of our building — and as his neighbors can attest, no one plays their music in the office louder than he does.”
In his new role as EVP A&R/Creative Advisor, Hendricks (right) has extended his contract and will report directly to Esposito, who said, “Scott has been instrumental in building this label and I’m excited to work with his genius as he takes on this exciting and innovative position.” Espo added, “I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the music business for many years, and now, approaching my tenth anniversary at Warner Music Nashville, I can say unequivocally these last two have been the best of my professional life. Along with our COO Matt Signore, Scott, Ben, Cris and our entire team, I’m excited for the future knowing that our best days lie ahead.”
