Wes Donehower Appointed SVP, A&R at Big Loud Records and Mercury Records

Wes Donehower has been promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R at Big Loud Records and Mercury Records.

The details:

• According to the announcement, Donehower’s dual role reflects the “successful strategic alliance” between Big Loud Records and Mercury Records.

• The two labels signed a multi-year distribution deal in 2024, working closely across artists like Big Loud’s Morgan Wallen.

Work history:

• Donehower’s previous role was Senior Vice President, A&R at Republic Records, where he helped bring Jelly Roll to the label in partnership with BMG and Broken Bow Records.

• He led A&R on Jelly Roll’s 2024 album Beautifully Broken, which topped the Billboard 200.

• Prior he worked in A&R at Columbia Records, signing artists such as Lil Nas X, Russ, Koe Wetzel and Quinn XCII.

What they said:

• Big Loud’s Partner and CEO Seth England: “Wes has an exceptional track record of discovering and signing game-changing talent, and he’s firmly established himself as one of the industry’s top A&R executives. I respect his work ethic, his creative instincts, and the impact he makes on the culture. We’re honored to welcome him into the Big Loud family through our partnership with Mercury.”

• Mercury Records Chairman and CEO Tyler Arnold: “Wes is an incredible A&R executive who has an innate ability to work across every genre. He has great instincts, but more impressively has a gift of building long lasting and genuine relationships with artists.”

• Wes Donehower: “It’s a privilege to work with both the Mercury and Big Loud teams. I’m looking forward to continuing to build new relationships in country music while fostering my longstanding partnerships across all genres.”