Cris Lacy to Chair Newly Rebranded Warner Records Nashville
ENTERTAINMENT
Cris Lacy named Chair and President of newly rebranded Warner Record Nashville.
Country music, fueled by exceptional storytelling and world-class artistry, is no longer just a regional sound, it’s a global phenomenon. Recognizing this massive cultural shift, Warner Music Nashville is formally aligning itself with the broader global structure of the company by officially rebranding as Warner Records Nashville.
Leading this exciting new era is Nashville veteran Cris Lacy, who has been named Chair & President of the newly rebranded label. Lacy will report directly to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson, a move that signals a commitment to maximizing country music’s cultural resonance and global potential.
A Leader Built on Nashville Expertise
Cris Lacy's appointment is a natural evolution for a leader who has dedicated two decades to Warner Music Nashville's operations. Widely admired across the industry, Lacy successfully climbed the A&R ranks before being named co-head of the division three years ago. Her passion and unwavering respect for artistry have earned the deep trust of the Nashville community.
The rebrand and structural alignment reflect a strategy aimed at creating a unified global ecosystem across Warner’s record labels.
Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson stated: “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... Together, we're collaborating closer, and expanding the reach and opportunities for artists in a genre where the future feels limitless.”
Formalizing Global Collaboration
The name change, which coincides with the unveiling of a new logo that aligns with the visual language of the Warner Records Group, formalizes the cross-pollination that has been steadily growing between Nashville and the company’s Los Angeles colleagues.
Lacy emphasized the strategic benefits: “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.”
Under the Warner Records umbrella, the Nashville team will now benefit from closer alignment across crucial areas including:
A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Data and Research
Radio Promotion
Business Affairs
The Warner Records Group now formally encompasses Warner Records US, Warner Records UK, and the newly launched Warner Records Nashville. This streamlined structure is intended to amplify the competitive edge for a combined roster that includes massive country stars like Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, and Dan + Shay, alongside emerging talents like Gavin Adcock and The Castellows.
This move underscores the undeniable global moment country music is experiencing. With Cris Lacy at the helm, Warner Records Nashville is poised to ensure that the genre's powerful voice continues to resonate far beyond Music City.