Sandbox Entertainment Group President Jake Basden has been named CEO of HYBE America-owned Blue Highway Records, a rebrand of the former Big Machine Label Group. Today's announcement follows last week's departure of Chair/CEO Scott Borchetta, who took the Big Machine brand and a number of artists and staff to launch a new venture. The appointment at Blue Highway is a return for Basden, who was SVP/Communications at the former BMLG when he left for Sandbox three years ago (Breaking News 1/31/2023).

As reported last week, The Valory Music Co. is being folded into the new label. The combined roster includes Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes. Publishing company Big Machine Music will remain under HYBE America.

"As we were searching for a leader for our new Nashville record label, it was important to choose someone that thought of artists first," says HYBE America Chair/CEO Isaac Lee. "We found someone that would not only connect with our team and build our company culture, but has profound ties to this community." Adds Basden, "Country and American roots music is at such a dynamic place and I can think of no better place to define what the future of these sounds can be than Blue Highway."