BREAKING: Austen Adams Appointed President Of Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Austen Adams. Photo: Amy Allmand
Industry leader Austen Adams has been appointed President of Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. He will begin the role on Sept. 15, reporting to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall.
Adams joins WCM from Big Loud, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of its Publishing and Records divisions for six years, working with a wide array of talent, including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr., among many others. His two decades of experience also includes time in artist management and entertainment law.
Adam’s appointment at WCM fills the role left behind by Ben Vaughn, who passed away in January.
“Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial,” share Moot and Marshall. “Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us. We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities. With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Adams says, “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built. I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways. Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”
Adams has been honored on Billboard’s Country and Indie Power Players lists and named to Leadership Music (Class of 2019).
