News Summary
Sony Music Nashville is undergoing a significant restructuring of its promotions team, resulting in the departure of key members including Lauren Thomas and Lauren Bartlett. This move aims to enhance collaboration with artists and streamline resources amid a rapidly evolving music industry landscape. New leadership appointments and a renewed focus on radio partnerships are set to redefine the label’s strategy as it navigates the competitive country music scene.
Nashville Shakes Things Up: Sony Music Nashville’s Major Shift in Its Promotions Team
In a bold move destined to shake things up in the country music scene, Nashville’s very own Sony Music Nashville has announced a significant restructuring affecting its promotions team. This change has led to the departure of several key members including Lauren Thomas, Lauren Bartlett, Paige Elliott, Lisa Owen, and Paul Grosser. All these talented individuals have been instrumental to the label’s ongoing success, and their exit is making waves across the industry.
What’s Driving the Change?
The underlying goal of this organizational shakeup at Sony Music Nashville is to ensure a stronger partnership with artists and the creative community. In a world where the music market is evolving at lightning speed, the label is focusing on streamlining resources to create better connections with radio partners. The spotlight is particularly on enhancing interactions across both RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville, two major arms of the company.
With the landscape of music constantly shifting, this seems to be a prudent strategy for a label that has consistently churned out chart-topping hits. The restructuring aims to keep the label relevant and ahead in a fiercely competitive environment.
Taking a Look at Key Departures
Among those who have left is Lauren Thomas, who had just been promoted to Senior Vice President of Promotion last June. She joined Sony Music Nashville back in October 2009 and has been a key player in bolstering the label’s success. During her time with the company, she contributed to an impressive 80 No. 1 records and was the driving force behind promotional campaigns for artists like Old Dominion, Megan Moroney, and the ever-popular Luke Combs. Her leadership over the past three years has led to multiple chart-topping successes.
Next is Lauren Bartlett, who came on board in 2018 as Director of Southeast Promotion. She showcased her talents and rose to the position of Columbia Senior Director of Promotion in 2022. Having previously honed her skills at Big Machine Label Group, Bartlett also marked her time at Sony with memorable contributions.
Then we have Paige Elliott, who began her journey with Sony Music Nashville in 2017. Before her arrival, she worked at Capitol Records Nashville and built an impressive track record from 2010 to 2017.
Lisa Owen’s departure is yet another notable exit; she joined as Arista’s Manager of Regional Promotion in 2016, bringing years of experience from Show Dog Nashville Records and DreamWorks Records to the table.
Lastly, there’s Paul Grosser, who began his career as an intern at Sony Music Nashville. He quickly climbed the ladder, becoming a full-time Specialist in Promotion and Artist Development in 2021, eventually earning a promotion to Manager.
Fresh Faces and New Beginnings
Amid this upheaval, there are also exciting changes on the horizon for Sony Music Nashville. Henry Naldjian has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer at Sony Music Publishing, positioning him to oversee crucial technological advancements and transformational efforts. Furthermore, Taylor Lindsey has been appointed as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville, set to take the helm in January 2025, succeeding Randy Goodman. Meanwhile, Ken Robold has stepped up as President and Chief Operating Officer, further solidifying the new leadership team.
What Lies Ahead?
As this restructuring unfolds, all eyes are on Sony Music Nashville and its ability to adapt and thrive in this dynamic industry. The exit of key promotions team members marks a new chapter, one where the company aims to redefine its engagement with artists, radio partners, and the broader creative community. With the industry’s landscape shifting and music evolving, it’ll be fascinating to see how this restructuring impacts the chart-topping success stories we’ve come to love.
Stay tuned for more updates as the music business continues to transform in exciting ways right here in Nashville!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UMG Restructures Operations in Nashville with New Leadership
Hudson Westbrook Signs Global Deal with Sony Music Publishing
Mt. Juliet Remembers Country Songwriting Legend Buddy Brock
Nashville Celebrates Kane Brown’s New Album Release
Zach John King Makes Waves in Country Music Scene
Additional Resources
- Music Row: Lauren Thomas More Exit Sony Music Nashville
- Music Business Worldwide: Henry Naldjian Promoted to Chief Technology Officer at Sony Music Publishing
- Music Business Worldwide: Taylor Lindsey Promoted to Chairman CEO at Sony Music Nashville
- Variety: Lainey Wilson Renews Sony Music Publishing Nashville
- Hits Daily Double: Music City
