Various Artists Management (VAM) has made a key appointment and promotion.
Alice Vaughan has been appointed to the role of A&R director; Carimei Smith has been promoted to senior day-to-day manager/general manager, North America. Both appointments are 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), as well as management of the company’s roster of writers and producers.
Vaughan’s broad career in music spans over a decade. During her five years at Sony Music Publishing, she signed artists including Lola Young, Ellie Goulding and Matilda Mann. She 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. Vaughan worked with several of the VAM team previously during her time at Sony Music Publishing.
To work with alternative artists from the embryonic early phase all the way to achieving global success whilst contributing culturally is key
Alice Vaughan
Alice Vaughan said: “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. 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 said: “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.
Carimei is a huge part of the VAM family and has played a key role in many of its recent global successes
Matt Luxon
Speaking about her promotion, Carimei 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.”
CEO Matt Luxon said: “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 has achieved two No.1 albums in the last 18 months with The Libertines and Tom Grennan, as well as the debut streaming smash from Good Neighbours, who were one of the three acts in the running for 2025's Brit Rising Star Award.
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