Music agent Kevin Neal has joined WME as a partner working out of its Nashville office, the agency said Monday. Neal joins WME from Buddy Lee Attractions, where he served as president.
He represents top country musicians Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Colt Ford.
The move reunites Neal with former Buddy Lee CEO Joey Lee, agent to Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack, who joined WME in 2010 when the agency acquired Lee’s 360 Artist Agency.
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WME has amassed a substantial presence in Nashville. In addition to Lee and Neal, it snagged three agents from Paradigm to launch its Christian Music Division in January.
Neal had served as president of Buddy Lee since 2009, winning myriad awards throughout the past decade.
Both WME and CAA have expanded into several areas outside of traditional talent representation, music being one of the largest. WME closed its deal for sports giant IMG last week, bringing athletes, models and a substantial marketing and events business into the corporate family.