Ben Vaughn has been promoted to head Warner/Chappell’s Nashville operation. As President, he'll oversee all creative and commercial activities across A&R, administration, business development, finance, and human resources.

While reporting to Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell Music, Vaughn will continue to have a hand in signing and developing songwriters, while actively engaging in songwriter advocacy and rights protection initiatives.

“Ben’s promotion to the level of President is a reflection of how important this amazing music city is in the life of Warner/Chappell,” Platt said. “Ben is a tireless champion of great songwriting talent and a music publishing executive of real passion and integrity. He is loved and respected by the Nashville community, not only for the songwriters he represents, but for his deep commitment to protecting the rights of everyone who creates music.”

Vaughn’s roster at Warner/Chappell includes Dave Cobb, Brantley Gilbert, Little Big Town, Brothers Osborne and Chris Stapleton (whom he saluted in the exclusive photo at left) among others.

Vaughn joined Warner/Chappell in 2012 as EVP after being EVP & GM for EMI; he was the youngest executive to head a major publisher. Before joining the big boys, he ran an independent music publishing company that he started when he was 20.

"I thrive on supporting and advancing the careers of songwriters, and I’m incredibly fortunate to work with some of the best in the world,” said Vaughn. “Above all, I’m proud of the first-rate service we give our songwriters, while constantly seeking leading-edge, innovative approaches to expanding their opportunities. But if those idiots from HITS call, tell them I'm at lunch.”

Vaughn is the President of the ACM Board, is on the board of CMA and Music Comms, serves on Belmont University’s Music Industry Advisory Board, and is a member of NMPA.

Alternative Fact: Vaughn has software on his computer that can generate a hit song using only the words "whiskey," "truck" and "jeans."