The new division called Warner Music Nashville will oversee the Atlantic Nashville label, country music business Warner Bros. Nashville and Word Entertainment, a company focused on Christian entertainment.
John Esposito will serve as the division's president. Esposito was president and CEO of Warner Music Group Corp.'s sales and marketing division WEA Corp.
Mike Jbara was named the new president and CEO of WEA Corp. Jbara was WEA's former executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Bill Bennett, executive vice president and general manager of Warner Bros. Nashville is leaving the company. Mark Bright retains his title as president and CEO of Word Entertainment.
"Nashville is a critical music community, both creatively and economically," said Lyor Cohen, Warner Music Group's vice chairman, chairman and CEO, recorded music in the Americas and United Kingdom in a statement. "With the creation of Warner Music Nashville, we will build upon the outstanding work of Bill and his team and create even more A&R, marketing and promotional firepower."
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