LONDON/LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) – Various Artists Management (VAM) has announced key leadership changes, appointing Alice Vaughan as A&R Director and promoting Carimei Smith to Senior Day-to-Day Manager/General Manager North America, effective immediately.
Based in London, Vaughan will report directly to VAM CEO David Bianchi, Danny D, Tim Blacksmith (Stella/Alternative Songs), and Joe Etchells (Global Head of A&R Various Artists Management/Alternative Songs).
In her new role, she will oversee VAM’s publishing division (Alternative Songs) and record label (23 Recordings), managing the roster of writers and producers. Vaughan’s music career spans over a decade, including five years at Sony Music Publishing where she signed major artists like Lola Young, Ellie Goulding, and Matilda Mann. Most recently, she served as A&R Director at EMI Records, where her signings included Caity Baser.
VAM’s artist roster includes Tom Grennan, Good Neighbours, Melanie C, Ashnikko, The Libertines, Supergrass, La Roux, and Rose Gray. Vaughan is thrilled to work with VAM, stating: “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 does brilliantly.”
Meanwhile, Smith has been promoted to Senior Day-to-Day Manager/General Manager in North America. Smith, who has been with VAM for three years, has overseen global music campaigns for artists like Ashnikko, Tom Grennan, and Barns Courtney. She has also played a key role in the success of Good Neighbours’ platinum single “Home” and Ashnikko’s debut album Weedkiller and its sold-out US tour. Smith said, “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.”
VAM CEO Bianchi praised both leaders, stating: “Alice’s exceptional track record over the last decade speaks for itself and is a testament to her passion and commitment. We’re so excited to welcome her to the team. 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!”
VAM has celebrated recent achievements, including two No. 1 albums in the UK with The Libertines and Tom Grennan and a record-breaking debut track by Good Neighbours, who are contenders for the 2025 Brit Rising Star Award.
