Evolution Of Van: Sony Music Publishing Nashville SVP/Creative Josh Van Valkenburg has been upped to EVP, where he'll continue to lead the team's A&R strategy and develop new talent. “Josh is one of the smartest music publishing executives I have ever met," says CEO Rusty Gaston, to whom he reports. "He leads the way in thinking strategically with every songwriter on our roster, and he takes actions that lead to results." Added Van Valkenburg, "Our Sony Music Publishing family is committed to lifting up and empowering all of our songwriters, from Nashville to the entire world. This ethos begins at the top with Jon Platt and Rusty Gaston." Van Valkenburg joined the company in 2005 and has spearheaded SMPN's creative efforts since 2015.