BBR Music Group Elevates Two In A&R Department As VP/A&R Sara Knabe Prepares To Depart

Kerkhover, left, and Poole

BBR MUSIC GROUP in NASHVILLE has promoted KATIE KERKHOVER to VP/A&R and CHRIS POOLE TO Sr. Dir./A&R. KERKHOVER succeeds outgoing VP/A&R SARA KNABE, who will depart the company on JUNE 1st.

KERKHOVER, who joined parent company BMG in  2020, rises from the position of Sr. Dir./Creative in the company’s music publishing arm, where she managed a roster of hit songwriters, including KURT ALLISON, TULLY KENNEDY, BEN GOLDSMITH, EMILY LANDIS, JAMES SLATER, WYNN VARBLE and others, as well as signing and developing writers and artists. In her new role, KERKHOVER will be responsible for BBR MUSIC GROUP’s roster of artists across its imprints, BROKEN BOW RECORDS, STONEY CREEK RECORDS and WHEELHOUSE RECORDS, as well as  as scouting, signing and developing new talent for the roster. She reports to Pres. Recorded Music & Publishing/NASHVILLE JON LOBA.

The move reflects the continued alignment within BMG’s recorded and publishing teams in NASHVILLE under the dual leadership responsibilities of LOBA, who now oversees both repertoire teams (NET NEWS 5/3).

“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,” said LOBA. “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. I’m excited to have her and CHRIS OGELSBY lead our respective recorded and publishing creative teams and further strengthen the unique relationship between the two.”

POOLE rises to his new position from the role of Dir./A&R. He joined BMG in 2018. He reports to KERKHOVER.

Added LOBA, “CHRIS POOLE’s promotion to Sr. Director is beyond well-deserved. 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.”

KERKHOVER’s previous publishing position will be filled, along with a coordinator position within the A&R department.

Congratulate KERKHOVER here and POOLE here.

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