Climbing steadily through the ranks of one of Nashville’s premier music publishing companies, Kayce Russell has been appointed Manager of Creative Services & A&R Operations at Warner Chappell Music Nashville, marking her third promotion since joining the company in 2018. The September 2025 announcement caps a remarkable seven-year journey that began when Russell started as an administrative assistant to Ben Vaughn.
Russell’s trajectory at Warner Chappell reflects both her capabilities and the company’s recognition of her potential. After joining in 2018, she spent three years demonstrating her administrative acumen before being promoted to Executive Assistant in 2021, a role that expanded her responsibilities and visibility within the organization.
Her most recent elevation places her in charge of digital initiatives supporting Nashville’s community of songwriters and artists, a vital area as the music industry continues its technological evolution. Russell’s education at Western Kentucky University prepared her well for the strategic marketing aspects of her new position.
The digital frontier demands innovative leadership, and Russell’s appointment signals Warner Chappell’s commitment to technological advancement in Nashville’s creative ecosystem.
In her new position, Russell reports directly to Warner Chappell Nashville President Austen Adams, who praised her contributions. “Kayce has made a tremendous impact through her creativity and dedication,” Adams noted in the announcement, highlighting her innovative approaches to integrating digital strategies in artist development.
Her oversight now extends to all digital initiatives for Warner Chappell Nashville’s roster, with a particular focus on developing tailored programs that nurture both emerging and established songwriting talent. The promotion coincides with the release of the 2025 ACM Voters Guide, reflecting the company’s strategic timing in the industry calendar.
Russell’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration between creative teams and operations, modernizing the support framework for songwriters while implementing technology-driven tools to enhance songwriting, marketing, and distribution strategies.
Her approach balances administrative efficiency with creative insight, a combination that has earned her recognition among industry peers in Nashville’s music community. Russell has been instrumental in helping artists navigate streaming platforms for optimal music distribution and fan engagement. She has also pioneered initiatives to help songwriters secure sync deals as an additional revenue stream, creating new opportunities in film, television, and video games.
The promotion underscores Warner Chappell’s investment in leadership that can navigate the evolving landscape of music publishing.
Russell’s responsibilities now include coordinating cross-departmental resources to maximize artist growth, facilitating digital promotion strategies, and promoting data-driven decision-making in A&R operations, all while maintaining Warner Chappell’s commitment to prioritizing long-term career development for its songwriters.
