Derek Bruner Launches Verity Artist Management With Cochren & Co., Rhett Walker & More

Longtime artist manager Derek Bruner has launched the new management company Verity Artist Management after 12 years with First Company Management.

Verity Artist Management, based in Franklin, Tenn., has launched with clients including Contemporary Christian Music artists Rhett Walker, Cochren and Co., MacKenzie Phillips, Holly Halliwell and 7eventh Time Down, who all join from First Company.

Bruner says he decided to launch the new company in June, telling Billboard, “I spoke to some of the artists I worked with, and they were like, ‘Yeah, we’d love to come with you. We love working with you,’ so it’s been an honor and joy to start this.”

Bruner notes that the company is gearing up to add day-to-day staff.

“I’m definitely looking to expand, but also looking to do this in the right way, take care of what I have, [and] be a good shepherd to these artists,” Bruner says.

Cochren & Co., which is signed with Gotee Records, has notched Billboard Christian Airplay chart hits including “Running Home” and “Money Can’t Buy,” while Walker, signed to BEC Recordings, has earned Christian Airplay hits including “Gospel Song” and “When Mercy Found Me.” Bruner has managed 7eventh Time Down (known for songs such as “God Is on the Move”) for nearly 20 years, even prior to his work with First Company. The Gotee Records-signed Phillips recently released the song “Kindness of Your Heart,” while Halliwell released the new song “Salt.”

“Derek Bruner has always been able to be five steps ahead of what’s trending, looking ahead and helping to push his artists’ platforms,” Walker told Billboard in a statement. “I’m excited to see him be able to chase his passions, full speed, with his new company and the lanes it will open up for his artists.”

“I’ve watched Derek Bruner lead with integrity and vision for years, and Verity Artists is the natural next step of that,” added Mikey Howard of 7eventh Time Down. “This company isn’t just about managing artists — it’s about believing in them, standing for truth, and building something that lasts. I couldn’t be more excited to see Verity Artists shine a light in this industry.” 

Cochren & Co. said in a statement, “I first met Derek when I was an opener at a show near my hometown in Indiana. Over the past several years I’ve seen firsthand his integrity, knowledge, and hard work in this industry. I’m excited to work with him in this new season.”

Bruner moved to Nashville in 1997 and has worked in areas including radio promotion, artist management and touring, with roles as tour manager and front of house for the group Jump5; booking agent at Vanguard Entertainment; and radio promotion/A&R for Slanted Records/Spring Hill Music Group. He previously launched the management company Caliber Group. For the past dozen years, Bruner worked in management at First Company Management, which was founded by music executive Wes Campbell in 1995 and is known for its work with CCM group Newsboys, among others.