Warner Chappell/Nashville President/CEO Ben Vaughn passed away today (1/30). In a memo to Warner Music Group staff – shared with Country Aircheck and printed in full below – Vaughn is remembered as "an extraordinary human being ... a passionate advocate of songwriters and a topflight music publisher" by Warner Chappell Music Co-Chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall. Vaughn joined the company in 2012, rising to his most recent role six years ago (Breaking News1/30/2019). No word on services.

The full memo:

To everyone at WMG,

It is with broken hearts that we share the unthinkable news that Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, passed away this morning. Our deepest condolences are with his family and many friends.

Ben has led our Nashville team since 2012, and we know that many of you around the world got to know him over the years. Anyone who had the pleasure of working with him will be as shocked and saddened as we are.

First and foremost, Ben was an extraordinary human being. He met everyone with enthusiasm, warmth, and generosity. His smile was huge, and his sense of humor was infectious.

He was always a passionate advocate of songwriters and a topflight music publisher. The Nashville community has lost one of its greatest champions, and he will be profoundly missed by so many across our company and the entire industry.

We are planning to visit the Nashville team very soon and thank you all for helping support them through this awful tragedy.

With love,

Guy & Carianne