Today, Sony Music made a significant announcement with the appointment of Taylor Lindsey as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville, set to commence in January 2025. This move marks a new era for the company as she steps into the shoes of outgoing chief Randy Goodman, who had earlier announced his retirement. With this appointment, Lindsey will assume the responsibility of overseeing the entire company and its creative pursuits, along with Provident Entertainment, the Christian music division. She will be based in Nashville and report directly to Rob Stringer, the Chairman of Sony Music Group.Building a New Era with Ken Robold
Ken Robold has been named President and Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Lindsey. He will oversee the company's operations, including Provident Entertainment. This collaborative leadership duo is set to shape the future of Sony Music Nashville.
Promoting Internal Talent
In making the announcement, Stringer expressed his excitement about promoting a creative talent from within the company. He highlighted Lindsey's growth from an A&R background to becoming an all-round executive. Her ability to plot the future for the Nashville team is crucial as country music continues to evolve and thrive.
Lindsey herself is grateful for the opportunity. She emphasized the commitment to fostering collaboration with artists, creators, and fans. By creating a vibrant community, they aim to honor the rich heritage of storytelling in country music while redefining its sound for generations to come.
Lindsey has been at the forefront of A&R for the company since 2021, serving as Executive VP. She has worked closely with the roster, including artists like Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Mitchell Tenpenny. Her expertise and connections have played a vital role in the success of these artists.
Early Career Highlights
Before joining Sony Music in 2013, Lindsey worked in A&R at BMG Publishing. There, she represented Grammy-award winning songwriters such as Hillary Lindsey and Tony Lane. Her efforts in connecting these songwriters with recording opportunities and developing their talent laid the foundation for her successful career in the music industry.
Robold joined Sony Music Nashville in 2015 as Executive VP and COO. He has overseen various departments, including Commercial Partnerships, which works with digital service providers to create opportunities for the artists. His extensive experience at Universal Music Group, where he held various positions, including Executive Vice President and General Manager of their Nashville company, brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Robold is also actively involved in industry organizations. He is a past Chairman of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Board of Directors and President of the Board of Directors for Leadership Music. Currently, he holds board positions with the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), further strengthening the company's connections within the industry.