Sh-K-Boom Records co-founder Kurt Deutsch is joining Warner/Chappell Music to oversee the signing and nurturing of theatrical composers as well as identify and develop new theatrical projects and properties.

As Senior Vice President, Theatrical & Catalog Development for Warner/Chappell, Deutsch will manage Warner/Chappell’s theater and standards repertoire that includes works by Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Stephen Sondheim and Lin-Manuel Miranda. He will report to Warner/Chappell Chairman & CEO Jon Platt and continue to serve as President of Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records.

In addition, starting 8/1, ADA, Warner Music Group’s independent distribution and services arm will distribute Sh-K-Boom and Ghostlight releases.

“Kurt is one of the most prominent figures in the Broadway world, having built Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight into a major force in musical theatre,” Platt said. “His exceptional creative instincts, deep relationships in the theatrical community, and extensive experience in encouraging and cultivating composers will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service to songwriters. Today, the theatrical world is in the midst of a renaissance, and Kurt is a leader of this new generation of incredibly gifted songwriters, who are creating brilliant music that transcends genres and cultures."

An actor before going into the record business, Deutsch co-founded Sh-K-Boom Records with actress Sherie Rene Scott in 2000. In 2004, he created Ghostlight Records to release original Broadway cast recordings. The labels have three Grammy winners: Book of Mormon, In the Heights and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

“The depth of talent in the theater world today is extraordinary, and it is our goal to open up every opportunity for our writers to refine their craft and bring their music to the widest possible audience,” Deutsch said. “At the same time, the Warner/Chappell catalog is a mother lode of brilliant theatrical writers whose work is ripe with potential in the modern era.”