Gary Overton has been named Chief Executive Officer, Sony Music Nashville, it was announced today by Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Music Entertainment.
Overton, who will be based in Nashville and report to Schmidt-Holtz, assumes the responsibilities of exiting Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante. Most recently Executive Vice President & General Manager of EMI Music Publishing’s Nashville division, Overton will begin his new role effective May 17, 2010.
“We are delighted to have Gary join the Sony Music family,” commented Schmidt-Holtz. “His many years of distinguished experience as a top executive on Music Row and his strong connections with the Nashville artist community forged over the course of a multifaceted career, make him an ideal choice to lead this important business for us. We look forward to working with him and continuing the great artistry and success of Sony Music Nashville.”
“When Joe told me of his decision to leave Sony, I thought about all his great accomplishments in nurturing the careers of some of the icons of our business: Dolly Parton, Alabama, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and many, many others,” Overton said. “I am honored and humbled to be tapped by Rolf Schmidt-Holtz to build on the legacy that is Sony Music Nashville. And I am very excited about having the opportunity to work with the great artists at Sony, as well as the very talented staff.”
In welcoming Overton, Galante offered, “Gary comes to us with a background in publishing, A&R, artist management, and records. He is incredibly passionate about the music and has all the necessary experience to handle this new challenge. He has great relationships with songwriters, and he is a very respected member of both the music and Nashville communities. I look forward to working with him during our mutual transitions to help deliver the best for the Sony artists and team.”
Overton has helmed EMI Music Publishing’s Nashville division since 1995, overseeing day-to-day operations, including the exploitation of copyrights, acquisition of catalogs, signing of writers and artists, and securing record deals. During his tenure, the company has earned Publisher of the Year honors from ASCAP, BMI, and/or SESAC a total of twelve times.
Prior to joining EMI, Overton was personal manager for superstar Alan Jackson, and served tenures as head of A&R for BNA Entertainment and Vice President of Warner/Chappell Music.
Overton has served on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association and was recently named President-Elect of the board.
As announced earlier this week, outgoing Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante will actively participate in a transition consultancy role as Overton takes the helm.
Ben Vaughn has been tapped to lead EMI Music Publishing, replacing Overton. Vaughn was previously VP of writer and artist development and will be named executive VP and GM. He’ll report to EMI Music Publishing chairman and CEO Roger Faxon.
