HEATHER HEADS TO NASHVILLE (UPDATE)

BMLG ruler Scott Borchetta has confirmed what we told you earlier this week, announcing the appointment of Heather Luke as SVP/Head of Promotion for the label’s Big Machine/John Varvatos Records imprint. She’ll report to BMLG CMO Mike Rittberg.

In the newly created role, the 4/6 release notes, Luke—the longtime Warner Bros. Rock Promotion SVP—will build marketing and promotion strategies for BMLG’s growing roster of rock talent and non-country initiatives. She’ll also help guide the development of artists from Borchetta and Bell Media’s TV series The Launch, which recently debuted in Canada and snagged a worldwide distribution deal with Sony Pictures Television.

“Passion, vision and belief go hand in hand with relationships, know-how and savvy when it comes to the best promotion and marketing executives,” said Borchetta. “Heather is all that and more. What an honor to bring on such a talented and determined executive to guide Big Machine/John Varvatos in the airplay and streaming world. We are very serious about this initiative, and the addition of Heather to our team leaves any doubt in the dust. Game on. Rock on.”

For her part, Luke is “thrilled to join the passionate and talented team at Big Machine/John Varvatos Records [and] grateful to Scott Borchetta and Mike Rittberg for this opportunity. I’m honored to be a part of launching an exciting roster of rock artists.”

The Nashville label’s decision to bring in the highly respected promo exec, who spent 16 years at WBR, testifies to Big Machine’s commitment to rock. Heather, meanwhile, is eager to receive your recommendations for hot-chicken joints in Music City. Hit her up at [email protected] or (615) 846-7745.