John Esposito Steps Down as Warner Music Nashville Chairman Emeritus

Four months after stepping down as chairman/CEO of Warner Music Nashville and assuming the role of chairman emeritus, John “Espo” Esposito is resigning the emeritus title effective immediately.

In an email to the WMN staff today (April 19), he wrote “It’s that time of year when I head off to Nantucket to relax and reflect. This summer though, I will be reflecting on my next adventures, as I am stepping down as the Chairman Emeritus of Warner Music Nashville today. I’m so proud of what you’re all achieving as a team. I will always be the biggest champion of this team and the artists we signed and developed together. Keep rocking! See you in the fall.”

Esposito gave no reason for the move. However, when reached by Billboard, he said the change would give him more time to work with the T.J .Martell Foundation for Cancer Research and “travels and a chance to see the forest for the trees by taking some time.” In March, Esposito was named the chairman of the board of trustees of T.J. Martell. The Nashville-based organization is rebounding after an embezzlement scandal.  ““We got the double whammy of the COVID pandemic and somebody being a bad actor,” said Esposito of T.J. Martell. “I felt qualified with my knowledge of the organization and passion for them to do what I could to help get us back on track.”

Last June, when Esposito’s retirement as WMN CEO/chairman was announced, longtime WMN executives Cris Lacy and Ben Kline were elevated to co-presidents in preparation for Esposito transitioning to chairman emeritus status in January. In early January, Lacy and Kline were promoted to co-chair/co-presidents. 

Under Esposito, who had been at WMN’s helm since 2009 after coming over from WEA Corp. as president and CEO, the division’s market share quadrupled, according to parent Warner Music Group. The label also said its artists have earned more than 300 gold and platinum RIAA certifications.

“Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community, said Max Lousada, CEO, Warner Recorded Music in a statement when Esposito’s shift to emeritus was announced.