A Canadian music executive who guided the career of Maple Ridge country music star Madeline Merlo, is this year’s Stan Klees Builder inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ron Kitchener, founder of RGK Entertainment Group, one of Canada’s most successful independent music companies, helped shape the careers of Merlo, and many other acclaimed artists including his first client, Jason McCoy in the mid-1990’s, to Johnny Reid, Dean Brody, Corb Lund, Doc Walker, The Road Hammers, Tim Hicks, and Hunter Brothers, among others.
In 2003, he founded Open Road Recordings, now recognized as one of Canada’s most successful independent labels, selling millions of albums, and helping to introduce major international artists—including Taylor Swift—to Canadian audiences.
For more than two decades, Kitchener helped bring artists and tours to audiences across Australia and Europe.
He opened a Nashville office in 2007 through the management division and publishing company Roots Three Music, which allowed Kitchener the opportunity to represent U.S. artists like Blackjack Billy and The Mavericks.
He also served in influential leadership positions including as Chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) board of directors and international director at the Country Music Association (CMA). And, he is personally engaged in philanthropy and community support.
Kitchener has been named CCMA Manager of the Year 14 times, Industry Person of the Year three times, and Open Road captured Record Company of the Year for six straight years from 2009 to 2014.
The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame was established in 1984 to honour Canadian artists and builders who have made long-term contributions to the growth and development of Canadian country music.
Kitchener will be formally inducted into the hall of fame during an exclusive ceremony taking place as part of Country Music Week 2026, running September 16–19 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.