Keith Weaver, Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy and External Affairs at Sony Entertainment Pictures has announced his departure from the entertainment group after more than 20 years.

Weaver’s exit marks an exciting new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. As the Co-Founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey alongside his wife Fawn Weaver, and the inspiration behind Humble Baron, the longest bar in the world that is located at Nearest Green Distillery, Weaver will now launch a new hospitality company, Nashwood, Inc. where he will act as Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Nashwood, Inc., based in Shelbyville, will bring unique and elevated hospitality offerings to the local community in Middle Tennessee, while also focusing on additional property ventures in Georgia, Massachusetts, and France.

“Having worked in the fast-paced creative sector for decades, I am fueled by dynamic, creative thinking and action,” said Weaver. “Alongside my entertainment career, I have been able to quietly develop successful investments and I’m thrilled to now fully shift my focus, bringing that energy and excitement to the real estate and hospitality realm.”

With Nashwood, Inc., Weaver will initially prioritize the redevelopment of its Middle Tennessee

 portfolio of the US Bank Building, the Times-Gazette Building, which will act as Nashwood’s headquarters, the Bedford Box Factory, as well as lead further development of Nearest Green Distillery.

“Each project that we have in the works is a special part of the Bedford County area and stands to bring a great economic boom to the community, “ says Weaver. “I estimate that we will invest over $100 million in the community over the next 5 years.”

“The Weaver’s investment and dedication to the Bedford County community is unrivaled,” said Shane Hooper, CEO of the Shelbyville Bedford Partnership. “Their vision for what this community can be, and the exciting venues they have and will continue to create here – starting, with Nearest Green Distillery – are helping to shape this area into a thriving destination.”

The company’s name marries Nashville and Hollywood, paying homage to Weaver’s hometown of Los Angeles and long term career in Hollywood, and his current home of Tennessee. Weaver will continue to maintain connections to his roots in California, acting as the Chairman of the Board of Community Coalition, an iconic social justice organization based in South Los Angeles. Weaver also supports the open space preservation and serves on the National Board of the Trust for Public Land where he leads their work to protect historic Black sites throughout the country.