John Esposito, who stepped down as chairman/CEO of Warner Music Nashville on 1/1 to become the company’s chairman emeritus, has resigned from that post and is retiring, effective immediately.

Espo delivered the news to WMN staff in a 4/19 email, which reads as follows.

It’s that time of year when I head off to Nantucket to relax and reflect. This summer, though, it will be reflecting on my next adventures as I am stepping down as the chairman emeritus of Warner Music Nashville today.

I’m so proud of what you’re all achieving as a team. I will always be the biggest champion of this team and the artists we signed and developed together.

Keep rocking!

See you in the fall.

Espo

Espo had quite a run. Last June, when news of the leadership transition from Esposito to Ben Kline and Cris Lacy was announced, WMG recorded-music chief Max Lousada noted, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world and championed the creative community.”

He can enjoy another summer in Nantucket knowing he built a successful record label, one that will last.