Def Jam Names Michelle EVP/Head Of Marketing

• Def Jam Recordings has been appointed Dara Michelle as Executive Vice President & Head of Marketing. The new position marks a return to Def Jam, where her career began almost 15 years ago.

Michelle’s appointment was announced by Jeff Harleston, Interim Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings, who said, “I am extremely excited to welcome Dara back to Def Jam at this pivotal time of growth and development at the company. Dara returns to the Def Jam Family bringing a wealth of experience, insight and gravitas. She is well-recognized across the industry for her marketing accomplishments across all genres. Her leadership is already impacting the culture at Def Jam and I am confident she will make a lasting contribution.”

Michelle returns to Def Jam after a year-long marketing consultancy for RBMG/Def Jam artist Justin Bieber. She began her career at the former Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJMG) in 2003, as a college intern in Video Production. Returning to the marketing department in 2005, she rose to Director of International Marketing. Her work at Def Jam with Rihanna brought Michelle to Roc Nation in 2012, where she served as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, driving projects for Jay-Z and other artists, including the 2015 relaunch of Tidal.

“I started my career at Def Jam so this is a proud full circle moment for me,” said Michelle. “Def Jam is such an incredible and storied brand, and I’m honored to be part of the label’s next chapter as we continue to foster the marquee talent that we are known for, as well as developing new artists through innovative marketing and storytelling. I want to thank Nicki Farag and Jeff Harleston for this opportunity – I’m excited for all that’s yet to come.”