BBR Elevates A&R Pros Kerkhover & Poole
• BBR Music Group has announced the promotions of Nashville-based Katie Kerkhover to VP of A&R and Chris Poole to Sr. Director of A&R. Kerkhover (left), who joined BMG in 2020, most recently served as Sr. Director, Creative, in music publishing, managing BMG’s chart-topping Nashville roster of hitmaking songwriters including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Ben Goldsmith, Emily Landis, James Slater, and Wynn Varble, among others, and signing and developing new songwriters and artists.
In her new role Kerkhover will be responsible for BBR Music Group’s roster of recording artists across imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing, and developing new talent for the roster.
Kerkhover will report directly to Jon Loba, President, Recorded Music & Publishing, Nashville, who said, “I’ve always thought Katie would be an incredible A&R executive and seeing her in action on the publishing side over the last year and half has only strengthened that belief. She not only has an amazing ear for songs, but additionally an ear for her artists and writers’ visions. The development of American Idol winner Chayce Beckham is a shining example. I’m excited to have her and Chris Oglesby lead our respective recorded and publishing creative teams and further strengthen the unique relationship between the two.” Kerkhover can be congratulated at katie.kerkhover@bmg.com.
The move reflects the continued alignment within BMG’s recorded and publishing teams in Nashville under the dual leadership responsibilities of Loba, now overseeing both repertoire teams. Outgoing VP of A&R, Sara Knabe will stay on through June 1 for the transition.
Chris Poole (left) joined BMG in 2018 and previously serving as Director, A&R. Now, as Sr. Director, A&R, Poole will continue to scout and develop up-and-coming recording artists as well as guide and champion the label group’s chart-topping roster. Loba said, “Chris Poole’s promotion to Sr. Director is beyond well-deserved. He is the epitome of the young A&R exec who has his finger on the pulse of creative conversations in Nashville. His work with Elvie Shane, among other new artists, speaks for itself.” Poole will report directly to Kerkhover and can be reached at chris.poole@bbrmusicgroup.com.
Kerkhover’s previous publishing position will be filled, as well as a coordinator position within the A&R department. [Kerkhover & Poole photos by Cody Heckber]
