John Zarling
John Zarling
John Zarling is a highly accomplished music industry executive who has held numerous high-level positions. Most recently, he served as EVP/Marketing & New Business for Sony Music Nashville.
In 2017, Zarling and Jacki Campbell joined forces to form 615 LEVERAGE + STRATEGY, a Nashville-based brand strategy firm. They specialize in media strategies, marketing plans and branding for various artists.
Early Life and Education
Zarling began his career at Mercury Records, which later became MCA & DreamWorks, in the promotion department. From there he progressed to charts and syndication work where he helped launch artists such as Billy Currington, Josh Turner and Sugarland onto the scene.
He then spent five years at Big Machine Label Group as SVP of Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy. His responsibilities included overseeing all marketing for Big Machine Records’ Valory Music imprint, Dot Records’ Dot Records label and NASH Icon’s NASH Icon imprints.
Zarling’s current role at Sony Music Nashville calls for him to oversee all marketing and new business operations for the label, including brand partnerships, digital marketing, international marketing, media production and creative services. Additionally, he oversees promotion for some of country music’s biggest stars like Kenny Chesney.
Professional Career
John Zarling is an award-winning postdoctoral researcher in particle physics at Indiana University and a passionate family man who enjoys fine dining, physical activity and socializing with friends. One of his favorite pastimes is traveling to new places – particularly Anchorage, Alaska and Los Angeles. Additionally, they have an established relationship with Sitnasuak Native Corporation which recently donated $24,000 towards their medical fund. Other favourite pastimes include visiting family in California as well as visiting their daughter’s university in NYC.
Achievements and Honors
John Zarling is an incredibly accomplished man. Recently, he left his post as executive vp of marketing and new business at Sony Music Nashville, leaving behind a legacy of hitmakers including Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Old Dominion.
He is an incredibly generous donor to UAF. In January, he donated $30K in scholarships prizes to students at Chukchi Campus for UAF scholarship prizes. He and his wife Megan strongly believe in education – both for their own children and others – which makes their philanthropy truly inspirational. Many admire and respect what this couple has achieved through their philanthropy.
Personal Life
John Zarling is an accomplished American musician and music industry executive. He currently serves as EVP, Marketing & New Business for Sony Music Nashville, having held that position since 2017.
John is an esteemed leader within the country music industry. He’s collaborated with numerous notable artists such as Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Old Dominion.
He also owns 615 Leverage + Strategy, a boutique Nashville-based marketing firm that supports artists and labels with brand partnerships, digital marketing, international marketing, media relations and creative services. As an extension of their respective teams, this firm has delivered exceptional results for its clients.