Espo To WMN Chairman Emeritus?

• RAMP has heard several as-yet-unconfirmed reports that Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John Esposito will transition into the role of Chairman Emeritus by early next year.

The story was first reported by Billboard (subscription required), citing internal sources that expect WMN to announce that EVP/GM Ben Kline and EVP of A&R Cris Lacy “will take over running the day-to-day running of the company in a phased transition.” WMN had no comment when contacted by RAMP.

Esposito has served in his current capacity since May 2016. He joined Warner Music Nashville as Pres. & CEO in 2009 when the division was initially established to expand Warner Music Group’s presence in Music City. Prior to his move to Nashville, Esposito was President & CEO of WEA Corp., WMG’s sales and marketing division. He originally joined WMG in 2002 from the EVP/GM post at Island Def Jam Music Group. Prior to IDJ, Esposito held a variety of executive positions at PolyGram, Inc. You are advised to watch this space, as they say.