Josh Van Valkenburg has been selected as the new president of Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville. The appointment was announced by Jody Gerson, the chairman and CEO of UMPG, marking a significant leadership transition for the Nashville-based division.
Van Valkenburg is scheduled to assume his new role on January 4, 2027. He will be based in Nashville and report directly to Gerson. This change coincides with the transition of Troy Tomlinson, who has served as the chairman and CEO of UMPG Nashville since 2019. Tomlinson will step back from his executive role to serve as an exclusive advisor to the company.
In his capacity as president, Van Valkenburg will oversee the creative direction and management of the Nashville office. His responsibilities include leading the team in identifying, signing, and developing emerging talent. He will also support the existing roster of acclaimed songwriters, artists, and producers who are part of the Universal Music Publishing Group family.
Prior to this appointment, Van Valkenburg served as the executive VP of creative at Sony Music Publishing Nashville. He was promoted to that position in 2021 after joining the company in 2015. Throughout his tenure there, he worked closely with prominent industry figures, including ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Josh Osborne, four-time BMI Songwriter of the Year Ross Copperman, and SESAC Songwriter of the Year Jon Nite. Van Valkenburg launched his career in music publishing at EMI in 2006.
Gerson highlighted the growing global influence of country music in her announcement. She noted that opportunities for Nashville songwriters are greater than ever and praised Van Valkenburg for his vision and leadership skills. Gerson expressed confidence that Van Valkenburg’s deep relationships within the creative community and his ability to develop exceptional talent would allow him to build on the current momentum at UMPG Nashville.
Van Valkenburg expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization into its next chapter. He described Gerson as an exceptional leader who remains passionate about advocating for creatives. He also paid tribute to Tomlinson, acknowledging his long-standing leadership and his genuine love for songwriters and the Nashville creative community.
Tomlinson has been a prominent figure in the music industry for over four decades. During his time at UMPG Nashville, he has worked with major artists such as Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, and Kelsea Ballerini. He has also collaborated with writers including Chase McGill, Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, Jim Beavers, Rodney Crowell, Dean Dillon, and Casey Beathard.
Before joining UMPG, Tomlinson served as the President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville from 2005 to 2019. He had joined that company in 2002. Earlier in his career, he spent 15 years at Acuff-Rose Music Publishing and previously led the Nashville division of Fame Music Publishing. Gerson described their nearly 15-year working relationship as a gift, noting that Tomlinson is an icon in the Nashville and publishing communities.
As he prepares to ease into retirement, Tomlinson expressed pride in what he has built with his colleagues. He looked forward to spending more time with his family, particularly his grandsons, and thanked his wife for her support. Tomlinson also expressed confidence in Van Valkenburg, noting that he had brought him onto the creative team at Sony/ATV many years ago and knew his deep understanding of music publishing firsthand.
