Jesse Willoughby Promoted To GM Of Kobalt, Nashville

Jesse Willoughby. Photo: Laurie Dallriva

Jesse Willoughby has been promoted to General Manager Kobalt, Nashville, the company announced on Tuesday (March 15). Willoughby will assume the new position effective immediately and will report directly to Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt. In this new role, Willoughby will administer Nashville’s creative team and the office’s daily operations. Additionally, he’ll explore possibilities for new deals across the various Kobalt businesses.

Willoughby previously served as Director, Business Development for Kobalt Neighbouring Rights where he was the face of Kobalt’s North American operations for KNR and responsible for handling U.S.-based artist signings, including Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nico & Vinz, Aloe Blacc and Shakira among others.

Willoughby commented, “I am incredibly grateful for this new opportunity with Kobalt and continuing my career with one of the most innovative and progressive publishers in the world. Getting to work with our amazing creative staff, Stephanie Cox and Laura Alexander, alongside our entire global Kobalt creative team, I’m enthusiastic for the opportunity ahead. I am so thankful to Willard Ahdritz, Richard Sanders, Sas Metcalfe, Ann Tausis and Sue Drew along with the entire Kobalt family for their inspiration and mentorship.”

On Jesse Willoughby’s appointment, Sanders stated, “Over the past several years, we have observed Jesse’s tremendous professional growth and outstanding contributions to Kobalt at large. We know he’ll bring exceptional value to the Nashville office and we trust that his leadership will be critical in the expansion of Kobalt Nashville for the creative team and artists.”

Willoughby launched his career in 2005 working in the membership department at ASCAP’s Nashville office. While at ASCAP, Willoughby transferred to the LA office where he focused on pop/rock memberships under Sue Drew, who is now GM Creative & Acquisitions at Kobalt. After spending almost 10 years with the performing rights organization, Willoughby joined Kobalt in 2014 as the Business Development Manager for KNR where he reported to Ann Tausis, General Manager (KNR) and Hans Van Berkel, Chairman (KNR) in the London office.