Ben Vaughn To Head EMI Music Publishing

EMI Music Publishing announced today (4/15) that Ben Vaughn has been appointed to run its Nashville operations. As Executive Vice President and General Manager of EMI Music Publishing Nashville, Vaughn will lead the company’s creative, administrative, and commercial business in the country music capital. Vaughn, who was previously Vice President of Writer & Artist Development, will report to EMI Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Roger Faxon in his new role.

“Ben is one of the most talented executives working in Nashville today, and after more than eight years of working alongside Gary Overton, this is not only the natural next step for him – it is the right step,” says Faxon. “I am personally grateful to Gary, who over fifteen years has helped to make EMI Music Publishing such an important force in country music. I have no doubt that Ben is the right man to help take the Nashville business and the songwriters it represents on to even greater heights.”

Vaughn joined EMI Music Publishing in 2002, and has played a key role in the signing and development of the company’s roster of writers including Rhett Akins, Guy Clark, Dallas Davidson, Jerry Flowers, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Kelley Lovelace,  Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Tom Shapiro, and Jeremy Stover. EMI Music Publishing’s songwriters have helped the company win numerous industry awards, including the ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year prize which it picked up in October. Before joining EMI, Vaughn ran Big Tractor Music, the successful independent publishing company owned by Scott Hendricks.

“It has been a dream of mine to lead EMI Music Publishing’s Nashville business, and I appreciate Roger Faxon’s trust and empowerment,” Vaughn says. “It’s my great fortune to have found some real mentors & friends in my 14 years in the publishing business. It’s been a real honor to work beside Gary Overton, and I wish him all the best in the future. Our goals at EMI Music Publishing are to serve our songwriters, protect their interests, and grow their careers, and I’m excited about working with the team here to continue that important work.“

Overton is leaving the company after fifteen years to become CEO of Sony Music Nashville.

“It’s difficult to leave EMI Music Publishing after so many years, and to say goodbye to my staff and the writers who I care so deeply about,” Overton says. “However I know they will be in good hands under Ben’s leadership. I could not think of anyone better than Ben Vaughn to lead the company and its writers. I’m certain that he will be a huge success, and I’m looking forward to working with him in my new role.”