Sally Williams Joins Live Nation As President Of Nashville Music And Business Strategy: Breaking

– Sally Williams

Sally Williams, one of Nashville’s brightest lights behind the scenes, has been tapped by Live Nation to become its President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy, the company announced today (July 22). It marks not only a leap for Williams, who has in the last 20 years served in some capacity at Ryman Hospitality Group and Opry Entertainment Group, but for Live Nation as it grows its operations in Music City.

Williams leaves her post as senior vice president of programming and artist relations for Opry Entertainment as well as GM at the Grand Ole Opry Aug. 9, and begins her next career chapter at Live Nation, reporting to Bob Roux, LN’s president of U.S. Concerts, starting Sept. 9.

“Sally is a Nashville music industry icon, and the perfect executive to oversee Live Nation’s growing footprint in Nashville,” said Roux. “She’s spent decades contributing to the success of Nashville artists, venues, and events, and certainly the community itself, and we’re extremely fortunate to have someone with her industry knowledge and dedication to live music join our company.”

The hire marks yet another step in Williams’ ascension as an industry leader not just in Nashville but across the live music industry.

Since February 2017, Williams at Opry Entertainment has overseen booking, programming, artist relations, artist collaborations and show production across the group’s venues, including Grand Ole Opry, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and Ole Red. Prior to that, Williams served as General Manager of Ryman Auditorium.

During her tenure, the Ryman was consistently recognized with a multitude of awards and Williams herself garnered many accolades of her own, including Pollstar’s Facility Executive of the Year, Academy of Country Music’s Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year and Promoter of the year, the TJ Martell Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award, and more.

Williams has served as a steward of many organizations throughout Nashville’s music community, including as Chairman of the Country Music Association, President of Leadership Music and President of the Opry Trust Fund. Currently she is serving as Co-chair of the Music City Music Council and as Marketing Chair for the Country Music Association board of directors. She also is a member of the Academy of Country Music, the Americana Music Association, the International Association of Venue Managers, and the International Entertainment Buyers Association.

“For decades, Nashville has not only been my home, but also my passion,” said Williams. “It’s been a privilege to be in the middle of such incredible growth and I’m excited about what’s on the horizon. Live Nation has built a strong business here and has a terrific team in place. It will be an honor to collaborate with them to create world class experiences for fans and artists here in Nashville and beyond.”

As President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy, Williams will drive Live Nation’s overall business and entertainment strategy in the market, including venue and client development, according to the announcement.

She will lead the company’s overall efforts in the programming and marketing of Live Nation’s concert activity in the greater Nashville market, and collaborate with Nashville-based artists to develop and execute their worldwide visions. Williams will also oversee operations of Live Nation’s existing portfolio of Nashville venues, including Ascend Amphitheater, The Quarry and The Brooklyn Bowl, while also leading efforts in the development of new venues.

Beginning September 9, Williams will be in Live Nation’s Nashville office and can be reached at 615-346-9000.