Various Artists Management announces appointment of Alice Vaughan and promotion of Carimei Smith

09 December 2024 - Press release

 

Various Artists Management (VAM) has announced the appointment of Alice Vaughan to the role of A&R Director and the promotion of Carimei Smith to Senior Day-to-Day Manager/ General Manager North America, both effective immediately.

Vaughan will be based in London and report directly to VAM CEO David Bianchi, Danny D And Tim Blacksmith (Stella/Alternative Songs) and Joe Etchells (Global Head of A&R Various Artists Management/Alternative Songs).

The role will see Vaughan working across VAM’s publishing division (Alternative Songs) and its record label (23 Recordings) and management of the company’s roster of writers and producers.

Vaughan’s broad career in music spans over a decade. During her 5 years at Sony publishing, she signed artists including Lola Young, Ellie Goulding and Matilda Mann and represented international hit songwriters and producers including Phil Plested, Jamie Scott, Digital Farm Animals as well as signing Sam Romans, the writer behind Lewis Capaldi’s global hit Someone You Loved. Her most recent role was A&R Director at EMI records where her signings included Caity Baser. Having worked with several of the VAM team previously during her time at Sony, she is excited to collaborate with the team and their artists once again.

Vaughan says, “To work with alternative artists from the embryonic early phase all the way to achieving global success whilst contributing culturally is key, and it’s something VAM do brilliantly. At a time of rapid change in the industry, and one where the opportunity for authentic artists and non-linear thinkers feels so vast, I’m particularly excited to collaborate with this team and their roster.”

David Bianchi says, “Alice’s exceptional track record over the last decade speaks for itself and is testament to her passion and commitment. We’re so excited to welcome her to the team”.   

VAM has also announced the promotion of Carimei Smith to Senior Day-to-Day Manager/ General Manager North America. Smith has been with VAM for three years, overseeing global music campaigns for artists such as Ashnikko, Good Neighbours, Melanie C, Tom Grennan, and Barns Courtney. She has played a critical role in managing artist relationships while also overseeing studio and financial operations in the US.

During her time at VAM, Smith has worked closely with the roster in relation to North America. She has contributed to the success of Good Neighbours' platinum US single ‘Home’ and has played a key role in the release of Ashnikko’s debut album Weedkiller and its sold-out US tour. With expertise across multiple genres and a focus on streamlined communication and operational efficiency, Smith continues to drive success in the dynamic world of artist management.

Speaking about her promotion, Smith says, “I’m so excited to continue growing our footprint and team here at Various Artists Management in Los Angeles and so happy to continue being a part of such a lovely team.”

CEO Matt Luxon says. “Carimei is a huge part of the VAM family and has played a key role in many of its recent global successes. I’m thrilled to see her elevated to this new and thoroughly well-deserved position!”

The VAM roster includes Tom Grennan, Good Neighbours, Melanie C, Ashnikko, The Libertines, Supergrass, La Roux and Rose Gray. The company have achieved 2 number 1 albums in the last 12 months with The Libertines and Tom Grennan as well as one of the fastest streaming debut tracks of all time with Good Neighbours, who were announced as one of the three artists in the running for 2025's Brit Rising Star Award.