The Canadian Country Music Association® To Induct Ron Kitchener Into The 2026 Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame™
From the Official CCMA Press Release
KITCHENER WILL BE HONOURED IN SPECIAL INDUCTION CEREMONY DURING COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK 2026
SEPTEMBER 16–19 IN SASKATOON, SK
Toronto, ON (July 8, 2026) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) is proud to announce Ron Kitchener as the 2026 Stan Klees Builder inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™. Kitchener will be formally inducted during an exclusive ceremony taking place as part of Country Music Week 2026, scheduled for September 16–19 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Ron Kitchener is a Canadian music executive, entrepreneur, and artist manager whose career has spanned more than three decades. As Founder of RGK Entertainment Group, he has built one of Canada's most successful independent music companies, creating a multifaceted entertainment business centred on artist development, recorded music, publishing, production, and live events that has helped shape the growth of Canadian country music.
Beginning with his first management client, Jason McCoy, in the mid-1990s, Kitchener has guided the careers of acclaimed artists including Johnny Reid, Dean Brody, Corb Lund, Doc Walker, The Road Hammers, Tim Hicks, Madeline Merlo and Hunter Brothers, among others. In 2003, he founded Open Road Recordings, now recognized as one of Canada's most successful independent labels. Under his leadership, the label has sold millions of albums, produced 20 No. 1 singles and more than 120 Top 10 country radio hits, earned more than 100 Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum certifications, and helped introduce major international artists—including Taylor Swift—to Canadian audiences.
Kitchener has played a significant role in expanding the reach of Canadian country music beyond its borders. For over two decades, he’s helped bring artists and tours to audiences across Australia and Europe, creating opportunities for homegrown talent on the global stage. Establishing a Nashville office in 2007 through the management division and publishing company Roots Three Music helped Kitchener build lasting connections throughout music city, representing U.S. artists like Blackjack Billy and The Mavericks, and he worked to strengthen relationships between Canadian and international music communities serving in influential leadership positions including as Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors and International Director at the CMA.
Beyond his professional work, Kitchener has remained deeply engaged in philanthropy and community support. Alongside his family, he has supported initiatives including local hospital foundations in his community and SickKids, and he is an original member of 100 Men Who Care Halton Hills. His charitable efforts have also included Open Road Recordings’ 15 Acts of Kindness campaign, launched for the company’s 15th anniversary, as well as ongoing support for MusiCounts and the Unison Fund.
Across his management and label ventures, the artists and projects Kitchener has championed have earned five JUNO Awards and 56 CCMA Awards. Individually, Kitchener has been named CCMA Manager of the Year 14 times, Industry Person of the Year three times, while Open Road captured Record Company of the Year for 6 straight years 2009 to 2014. Through his vision, leadership, and work in artist development, Kitchener has helped shape the careers of generations of artists while elevating Canadian country music on both the national and international stage.
“After producing my first campus concert, I was all in,” shares Kitchener. “While this is a rollercoaster business, there's nothing better than when the song, the artist, and an enthusiastic live audience singing every word unite — it's magic. I've been blessed to be part of bringing some of those moments to life, and it's why I'm so deeply honoured by this recognition.
I am indebted to Stan Klees' legacy and to all those who paved the path before me. At the end of the day, it's the talent up front and the tireless teams promoting the art from behind the scenes who make the long days worth it — lots of laughs, many cheers, and a few tears. That's life in the music business, and I'm grateful for every second of it.”
“Ron’s impact on Canadian country music has been felt for over three decades, all through his deep belief in artists and the careers he has helped shape,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “He has consistently championed talent and built opportunities where few existed, and this induction recognizes that lasting contribution. We are proud to welcome Ron into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and look forward to celebrating his legacy in Saskatoon.”
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. Its permanent physical home is located at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in Calgary and consists of over 3,000 artifacts, including instruments and memorabilia. Inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™ (Hall of Fame™) are selected annually by their Canadian peers in the industry. The Hall of Fame™ is managed by the CCMA Board of Directors’ appointed Hall of Fame Management Committee (Management Committee). The Stan Klees Builder Award was established in recognition of RPM Magazine co-founder, Mr. Stan Klees, and his pioneering efforts in creating the CCMA Awards Program.
As the custodian of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™, the National Music Centre will celebrate the legacies of the 2026 inductees and past honourees with a new exhibition opening Fall 2026 at Studio Bell. More details will be announced closer to its opening.
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About The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA® is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and recognizing Canadian country music. Now in its 50th year, the CCMA celebrates the spirit, community, and creativity fostered by country music through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
About the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™
Since 1984, the Canadian Country Music Association® has been honouring Canadian artists and industry builders who have made long-term contributions to the growth and development of Canadian country music. In 1999, the CCMA formally merged its recognition program with a program of similar scope founded by Mr. Gary Buck, to create what today is known as the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™. The CCMA has partnerships with the Canadian Country Music Heritage Society (www.ccmhalloffame.com), based in Merritt, British Columbia, and the National Music Centre (www.nmc.ca), based in Calgary, Alberta to collaboratively promote and bring recognition to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™ program.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
National Music Centre (NMC) is a registered charity dedicated to amplifying the love, sharing, and understanding of music in Canada. More than a museum, NMC focuses on five key areas: Exhibitions and Collections, Artist and Professional Development, Performance and Recording, Education and Learning, and Music and Wellness. From its headquarters at Studio Bell in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood and satellite location in Montreal, NMC celebrates Canada’s rich musical legacy, honouring legendary artists, nurturing new voices, and bringing people together through music. NMC also houses a vast collection of rare instruments, artifacts and memorabilia, world-class recording studios, and four of Canada’s music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s Adisq Hall of Fame. National Music Centre marks its 10th anniversary as Canada’s home for music in 2026, with a year-long lineup of exhibits, events, and programs planned. Visit studiobell.ca/10 to explore the full list of anniversary activities happening now through summer 2027. To check out the NMC experience online, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
SHANEICE ANTHONY | Awards & Programs Manager
416-947-1331 ext. 219 | santhony@ccma.org