Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame To Induct Ron Kitchener

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Ron Kitchener will be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame as the 2026 Stan Klees Builder inductee during a ceremony taking place as part of Country Music Week 2026, scheduled for September 16–19 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“Ron’s impact on Canadian country music has been felt for over three decades, all through his deep belief in artists and the careers he has helped shape,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “He has consistently championed talent and built opportunities where few existed, and this induction recognizes that lasting contribution. We are proud to welcome Ron into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and look forward to celebrating his legacy in Saskatoon.”

As the Founder of RGK Entertainment Group, Kitchener’s career has spanned more than three decades as a music executive, entrepreneur and artist manager.

Beginning with his first management client, Jason McCoy, in the mid-1990s, Kitchener has guided the careers of acclaimed artists including Johnny Reid, Dean Brody, Corb Lund, Doc Walker, The Road Hammers, Tim Hicks, Madeline Merlo and Hunter Brothers, among others. In 2003, he founded Open Road Recordings. Under his leadership, the label has sold millions of albums, produced 20 No. 1 singles and more than 120 Top 10 country radio hits, earned more than 100 Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum certifications and helped introduce major international artists, including Taylor Swift, to Canadian audiences.

Establishing a Nashville office in 2007 through the management division and publishing company Roots Three Music helped Kitchener build lasting connections throughout music city. He represented U.S. artists like Blackjack Billy and The Mavericks and worked to strengthen relationships between Canadian and international music communities serving in influential leadership positions including as Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors and International Director at the CMA. Across his management and label ventures, the artists and projects Kitchener has championed have earned five JUNO Awards and 56 CCMA Awards. Individually, Kitchener has been named CCMA Manager of the Year 14 times, Industry Person of the Year three times, while Open Road captured Record Company of the Year for 6 straight years from 2009 to 2014.

Beyond his professional work, Kitchener has remained deeply engaged in philanthropy and community support. Alongside his family, he has supported initiatives including local hospital foundations in his community and SickKids, and he is an original member of 100 Men Who Care Halton Hills. His charitable efforts have also included Open Road Recordings’ 15 Acts of Kindness campaign, launched for the company’s 15th anniversary, as well as ongoing support for MusiCounts and the Unison Fund.

“After producing my first campus concert, I was all in,” shares Kitchener. “While this is a rollercoaster business, there’s nothing better than when the song, the artist, and an enthusiastic live audience singing every word unite — it’s magic. I’ve been blessed to be part of bringing some of those moments to life, and it’s why I’m so deeply honoured by this recognition. I am indebted to Stan Klees’ legacy and to all those who paved the path before me. At the end of the day, it’s the talent up front and the tireless teams promoting the art from behind the scenes who make the long days worth it — lots of laughs, many cheers, and a few tears. That’s life in the music business, and I’m grateful for every second of it.”

Lauryn Sink
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