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Def Jam Recordings has announced that veteran Nicki Farag has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager.
As EVP and General Manager of Def Jam, Farag will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations, working with artists, managers and staff to develop strategies and execute plans on behalf of the label’s diverse roster of global superstars and emerging talent. Based in Santa Monica, Farag will report to Def Jam interim Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harleston.
“Nicki is a seasoned, consummate professional and true leader,” said Harleston. “She has the unique ability to understand and inspire confidence in artists, the passion and tenacity to champion their artistry, and the tireless energy to rally her staff to compete and achieve greatness. I’m excited to welcome her into this important new role, with every expectation that both she and the company will soar.”
“Def Jam is a label with a distinct culture and DNA that has defined music for over 35 years,” said Farag. “In my nearly two decades at Def Jam, I’ve never seen so much momentum and energy from our staff or with our artists. With Jeff’s leadership, we have all the pieces in place to take Def Jam to even greater level of success.”
Farag, a widely respected 18-year veteran of Def Jam, previously held the title of Executive Vice President of Promotion, the first female executive to hold that title in the label’s history. With unparalleled relationships in the industry, Farag has been instrumental in breaking dozens of artists and records nationally over the past decade, including Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Big Sean, YG, Alessia Cara and Logic.
Farag is a multi-year Billboard ‘Women In Music’ honoree, and a 2020 Variety Hitmakers honoree. Nicki is co-chair of Def Jam Forward, the label’s task force dedicated to social justice reform.
