Universal Nashville promotes artist development exec

Owen helped launch Sugarland, other acts

Email | Print By NashvillePost.com People Dept.

Universal Music Nashville has promoted Jason Owen to senior vice president of artist development and marketing for its MCA and Mercury Nashville labels.

Owen, who was most recently senior VP of artist, media relations and creative services at the two labels, will report to Luke Lewis, chairman of Universal Music Nashville. His promotion has him taking on the digital and marketing departments for both companies.

"Jason is a true professional with tremendous energy and vision, and has shown exceptional capabilities within the publicity, marketing and artist development fields," said Lewis. "We are delighted to expand the playing field for him even further."

At Universal Music Nashville, Owen has helped develop Sugarland, Julianne Hough and Josh Turner, among others. Before joining the label, he was director of marketing and talent relations at Columbia TriStar Television and also spent time at Spelling Entertainment and New Line Cinema/Fine Line Features.