“Country music is more global today than at any time in its history, and the opportunities for Nashville’s songwriters have never been greater,” Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), said in an announcement Tuesday.
Universal Music Publishing Group has named Josh Van Valkenburg as the new President of UMPG Nashville, according to reports from MusicRow, Music Business Worldwide, and Variety. Van Valkenburg is set to assume the role on January 4, 2027, reporting directly to Gerson.
The leadership transition changes the Nashville division's direction. Longtime UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO Troy Tomlinson will move into an exclusive advisory role with the company as he prepares for retirement.
A veteran presence in Nashville publishing
Van Valkenburg joins UMPG from Sony Music Publishing Nashville, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President, Creative. Variety reports he was promoted to that position in 2021 after originally joining the company in 2015.
His career in the industry spans two decades, beginning at EMI Music Publishing in 2006. Music Business Worldwide notes he joined EMI’s A&R team as a Creative Manager in 2008, later becoming Creative Director at Sony/ATV in 2012 following the acquisition of EMI by a Sony-led consortium.
In his new capacity, Van Valkenburg will oversee the management and creative direction of the Nashville office. This includes signing and developing emerging talent, supporting a roster of songwriters, artists, and producers, and identifying new opportunities for established writers and their catalogs.
Van Valkenburg’s track record includes working with several high-profile songwriters. According to UMPG, he has championed talents such as Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Chris DeStefano, Natalie Hemby, Matt Rogers, and Lindsay Rimes. His work with these writers has resulted in more than 80 No. 1 radio singles and two Grammy Awards for Best Country Song.
He also holds a position on the Country Music Association (CMA) Board of Directors and serves as an alumni advisor for Leadership Music.
“Jody Gerson is an exceptional leader who remains steadfastly passionate about fighting for creatives and their art. I’m grateful for her trust and the opportunity to lead UMPG Nashville into its next chapter,” Van Valkenburg said.
The transition of Troy Tomlinson
Troy Tomlinson has led UMPG Nashville since 2019. His career in music publishing spans over 40 years, including a long tenure as President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville from 2005 to 2019. Variety notes he also spent 15 years at Acuff-Rose Music Publishing and previously led the Nashville division of Fame Music Publishing.
During his career, Tomlinson has worked closely with a wide array of major artists. These include Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, and Kelsea Ballerini. He was also recognized with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award in 2024.
As he transitions to an advisory role, Tomlinson expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and family. He noted that he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and grandsons.
“Having worked with Troy for nearly 15 years, first at Sony and then at UMPG, has been a gift,” Gerson said of Tomlinson. She described him as an “icon” in the Nashville and publishing communities.
Tomlinson also commented on the appointment of his successor, stating that he knows Van Valkenburg’s “ear for songs, eye for talent and deep understanding of music publishing.”
Industry implications for Nashville
High-level executives moving between major publishing houses like Sony and Universal shows how competitive the Nashville music industry is. As country music expands its international footprint, the ability to manage vast catalogs while scouting new talent becomes a central economic driver for the region.
The leadership change at UMPG Nashville will officially take effect on January 4, 2027.
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