BBR Appoints Katie Kerkhover To VP Of A&R, Sara Knabe To Exit

BBR Music Group has promoted Katie Kerkhover to VP, A&R and Chris Poole to Sr. Director, A&R.

Joining BMG in 2020, Kerkhover previously served as Sr. Director, Creative, in music publishing where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Ben Goldsmith, Emily Landis, James Slater, and Wynn Varble, among others. She also signed and developed new songwriters and artists.

In her new role she will be responsible for BBR Music Group’s roster of recording artists across imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing, and developing new talent for the roster. She will report directly to Jon Loba, President, Recorded Music & Publishing, Nashville. Kerkhover can be at katie.kerkhover@bmg.com.

The move reflects the continued alignment within BMG’s recorded and publishing teams under the dual leadership responsibilities of Loba, now overseeing both repertoire teams. Outgoing VP, A&R, Sara Knabe will stay through June 1 for the transition.

“I’ve always thought Katie would be an incredible A&R executive and seeing her in action on the publishing side over the last year and half has only strengthened that belief. She not only has an amazing ear for songs, but additionally an ear for her artists and writers’ visions. The development of American Idol winner Chayce Beckham is a shining example,” Loba explains. “I’m excited to have her and Chris Oglesby lead our respective recorded and publishing creative teams and further strengthen the unique relationship between the two.”

Additionally, BBR Music Group has promoted Chris Poole to Sr. Director, A&R, where he will continue to scout and develop up-and-coming recording artists, as well as guide and champion the label group’s roster. Poole joined BMG in 2018, previously serving as Director, A&R. He will report directly to Kerkhover and can be reached at chris.poole@bbrmusicgroup.com.

“Chris Poole’s promotion to Sr. Director is beyond well-deserved,” Loba adds. “He is the epitome of the young A&R exec who has his finger on the pulse of creative conversations in Nashville. His work with Elvie Shane, among other new artists, speaks for itself.”