Sony Moves McKinley, Reworks Marketing Dept.

Sony Music Nashville Marketing Vice President Tom Baldrica announced today (11/9) that Laura McKinley has assumed the post of Manager, Marketing & Artist Development for the label group’s Arista Nashville and RCA Nashville imprints. A seven-year company veteran, McKinley first became Manager, Marketing & Artist Development in 2007, most recently working with the BNA and Columbia Nashville labels.

Remarking on the shift in responsibilities, Baldrica praised, “Laura’s drive, focus, and creativity are undeniable. We’re currently in the process of filling a senior vacancy in the department, and having Laura’s experience and ability in place for these labels is ideally suited to keeping things on track and flowing smoothly.”

In her new role, McKinley will be a key member of the marketing team working with such artists as Brooks & Dunn, Jason Michael Carroll, Sara Evans, Danny Gokey, Alan Jackson, Jypsi, Martina McBride, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Chuck Wicks, and Chris Young.

An announcement of a new head of marketing & artist development for Arista Nashville and RCA will be forthcoming.

Jon Elliot was previously VP of Marketing & Artist Development for Arista Nashville and the RCA Records label. In June he and fellow former Sony exec. Christian Svendsen formed W.A.Y. Entertainment, offering management and marketing services.