NASHVILLE, Tenn. â Nashville Business Journal has named Derrek Kupish as one of its prestigious 2026 40 Under 40 honorees. Kupish stands out as a creative force in the highly competitive entertainment industry and is recognized alongside doctors, lawyers, CEOs, and business leaders across the Nashville community in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.
CLICK HERE to read more about 2026 40 Under 40.
Kupish moved to Nashville in 2014, arriving without industry connections but driven by a clear vision to build a career rooted in creativity, trust, and turning ideas into reality. Today, he co-manages Billy Ray Cyrus alongside Scott Adkins of Adkins Entertainment and has played a key role in numerous high-profile campaigns and creative projects.
His work includes recent releases and campaigns for Tanya Tuckerâs two-time GRAMMY-winning album While Iâm Livinâand Sweet Western Sound, as well as her first feature film, A Nashville Country Christmas; Snoop Doggâs collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on A Hard Workinâ Man; The Bellamy Brothersâ reality series Honky Tonk Ranch; Dennis Quaidâs gospel album Fallen; Little Big Townâs appearance on Disneyâs Sing-Along television special; Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains Rise; and Jason Aldeanâs appearance for Kennedy Center Honors; creative direction and set design for Season 6 finale of RuPaulâs Drag Race All-Stars and single art for RuPaulâs âThis Is Our Countryâ featuring Tanya Tucker; and creative direction and set design for Cyndi Lauper’s country album Detour press days, among many others.
Beyond his creative and management work, Kupish is deeply committed to philanthropy, service, and preserving musicâs legacy. He serves on the Band As One Nashville committee board, supporting Susan G. Komen and its mission to fight breast cancer in honor of his Lebanese grandmother, Polly Lugten, who lost her battle with the disease. Kupish is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame Troubadour Society, helping preserve and support country music history. Additionally, he is a Recording Academy GRAMMY member, and a member of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Country Music Association (CMA), among other industry organizations.
âItâs a hustle being a self-employed entrepreneurâoverseeing brand and image, managing artists, directing music videos, and capturing album covers and movie marquees isnât a traditional path,â Kupish shared. âBut itâs one Iâm incredibly proud of.â On his most challenging days, Kupish draws inspiration from the late Naomi Judd, who once told him, âYou have to believe in yourself when no one else does.â
Before launching DKupish Productions, Kupish spent 10 years working in television news earning two Regional Emmy Awards and hails from Decatur, Illinois.
Kupish will be honored during the 2026 40 Under 40 ceremony on Thursday, March 19, at Rocketown. Congratulate Derrek, here.
