Del Bryant To Retire From BMI, Relocate To Nashville

Del Bryant will retire in June 2014 and will relocate from New York to Nashville. He worked at BMI for 42 years and will continue as a consultant for the company.

“I’ve been privileged to lead this company I love, one of the world’s greatest music companies,” Bryant said via a statement. “I began my career with BMI in 1972 and after four decades with the company and 10 years as CEO, I’m excited to be moving back to my hometown of Nashville where my family and I will build a farm on beautiful land purchased by my folks with money earned from their BMI catalog. I look forward to working with the board during the transition period, and to supporting the company as a consultant after retiring as CEO.”

Bryant is the son of the late Boudleaux and Felice Bryant, Nashville songwriters who wrote “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Rocky Top,” the state song of Tennessee and other hits.

The board of directors has formed a committee to choose Bryant’s successor.

Bryant’s letter to BMI staff is included below:

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My Dear Colleagues,

Milestones and dreams have formed a decision that I want to share with you. Earlier this year I requested the board renew my contract only through June of 2014, when I will step down as President and CEO. June 2014 will mark 42 years of service to BMI with 10 years as President and CEO. In 2014 I will be 65 and my son Tad will be 10.

In the last couple of years, Carolyn and I have realized that Tad is much more of a country kid than city kid. We have created something that we call the “farm dream” which means a house with a lot of land for animals and gardens. In order to make this dream a reality we will be moving to my hometown, Nashville, in the summer of 2014. We will be building a farm on beautiful property purchased by my folks with money earned from their BMI catalog. It is a tract upon which my father always hoped to build and live. The idea of going home, melding my dad’s dream with ours, being with other branches of my family and dear friends, playing with Tad, having great school options, tinkering with projects, and relaxing is very exciting.

In a little over a year I’ll focus on how blessed I feel to have forged such a rewarding career helping songwriters and publishers. I will highlight the incredible accomplishments of this team. We’ll reminisce about time together. Again, that’s over a year away. In the meantime, I have a lot to do and I remain intensely committed to the work at hand at the company I love.

The board’s esteem for my career contributions is evident in their excitement for me and support. I stand ready to lend my insight and history as they embark on the same process as when I succeeded Frances Preston. I’m certain that the board’s wisdom and experience will result in a leadership team that will be great for the company, the communities we serve, and the industry. I will work tirelessly to help prepare my successor and will, along with the board, keep you abreast of the search and transition. I will also remain engaged as a consultant. Thereafter, as I’ve always been, an ambassador for BMI.

Thank you in advance for your well wishes and for keeping your priorities right where they are and where they need to be: on business as usual and hard work.

Del