Independent label, distributor, and publisher EMPIRE has appointed Jennifer Way as its new Executive Vice President, Nashville.
In this role, Way will lead the overall strategy for the company’s Nashville office and its day-to-day operations, including signing and developing new talent.
According to EMPIRE, Way will also be tasked with “supporting each artist’s creative vision with impactful music release campaigns, cultivating new business opportunities and driving the continued growth of EMPIRE Nashville’s roster and presence in Music City and around the world”.
Way joins EMPIRE with more than 19 years of music industry experience.
Most recently, she served as SVP of Marketing at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversaw the label group’s domestic and international marketing efforts, which included digital marketing, artist development, creative, content development, and media.
EMPIRE noted in its announcement on Monday (July 21) that under her leadership, Way and her team created strategic campaigns for a roster including Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion Megan Moroney, and more, “resulting in countless No. 1 hits across multiple genres, RIAA-Platinum and multi-Platinum records, and a multitude of award wins”.
Prior to joining Sony Nashville, Way worked in Marketing and Artist Development at UMG Nashville, where she was “integral in launching the careers of superstars” Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves.
This announcement arrives after a record-breaking year for EMPIRE, where breakout country act Shaboozey’s crossover hit A Bar Song (Tipsy) went top 10 on four major charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay, and Rhythmic Airplay, which EMPIRE calls “an unprecedented accomplishment”.
The track also spent a record-setting 19 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has also achieved over 1.3 billion streams on Spotify alone.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining EMPIRE – a team of disrupters who prioritize originality, innovation and artist-first thinking at every turn.”
Jennifer Way
“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining EMPIRE – a team of disrupters who prioritize originality, innovation and artist-first thinking at every turn,” said Way.
“I’m inspired by Ghazi and the culture he has built, and I’m excited to dive in and contribute to the continued success of this incredible team as we redefine together what a modern music company can be.”
“Jennifer is a powerhouse whose vision and track record align perfectly with our mission to redefine what’s possible in music.”
Ghazi
EMPIRE Founder / CEO, Ghazi, added: “Jennifer is a powerhouse whose vision and track record align perfectly with our mission to redefine what’s possible in music.
“Her deep roots in Nashville and ability to break global stars make her the perfect leader to continue to drive our momentous country music division forward.”
Elsewhere at EMPIRE, the company recently launched in the Nordic region, led by Iman Hazheer, as Territory Manager. 15 years in the music industry in 2025, has officially.
In April, EMPIRE expanded in Asia with a multi-year partnership with Cambodian music company Baramey Production.Music Business Worldwide
