Robold To Lead Southern Ground Artists

Ken Robold

Music industry veteran Ken Robold has been named president of Zac Brown’s label Southern Ground Artists. Robold will oversee Southern Ground’s recorded music, publishing and studio divisions. He will focus on building the publishing catalog, which will include Zac Brown Band’’s future works, and growing the label roster, currently home to Blackberry Smoke, Clay Cook, Nic Cowan, Sonia Leigh, Levi Lowrey, The Wheeler Boys and The Wood Brothers.

Robold most recently served as Executive VP and General Manager of Universal Music Group Nashville, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and worked with artists including Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, George Strait, Shania Twain, Ryan Adams, Jamey Johnson, Lucinda Williams and Lee Ann Womack. The role was the culmination of a nearly 22-year career at PolyGram Records / Universal Music Group.

“My vision for Southern Ground Artists has always been to create a home for diverse and talented songwriters. Based on Ken’s work at UMG Nashville, and particularly at Lost Highway, he is the perfect fit to head up the label,” said SGA founder Zac Brown. “We’re looking forward to what Ken brings to our team.”

“To get to work with an artist such as Zac Brown at an artist-owned, entrepreneurial company is simply a dream come true,” said Robold. “While getting to know Zac in the last few months, I have found that his talent and creativity are surpassed only by what a quality human being he is. I’m looking forward to building this company together.”