Donald Announces Departure From Kobalt
• Alison Donald, Kobalt’s Head of Global Creative, announced she will be leaving the company at the end of the month to pursue other endeavors. During her seven-year run, Donald has been a key driver of culture within Kobalt, signing key talent Sam Fender, Cigarettes After Sex, Koffee, Gabriels, Jungle, Khruangbin, Rage Against the Machine, The Last Dinner Party and Tom Odell.
“Alison’s fervor for creativity and music have always been felt throughout the entire organization, inspiring our teams every day,” said Kobalt President, Jeannette Perez. “Her palpable energy and enthusiasm will be missed by everyone at Kobalt. We wish her all of the best as she embarks on her next journey.”
Donald joined Kobalt in 2017, overseeing A&R and creative in the UK and Europe for Kobalt Music Publishing and AWAL’s UK and Europe creative teams. In March 2023, she was promoted to her current role, dividing her time between London and Los Angeles. Prior to Kobalt, Donald was Co-President of Columbia Records UK, where she signed and worked closely with George Ezra, Tom Odell, Rag’N’Bone Man, Declan Mckenna, and The Civil Wars.
Before joining Columbia in 2011, Donald spent a decade as Managing Director at Chrysalis Music Publishing. She earlier served as Head of A&R at Warner/Chappell Music, where she signed The Strokes, Gomez, and Gregg Alexander, and before that, spent seven years at Capitol/EMI Records. Donald began her career over three decades ago at Arista Records.
“Working with the team at Kobalt and all of the incredible artists and writers on the roster has been very rewarding, and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve all achieved,” said Donald. “I’m sad to be leaving both my friends at Kobalt and our wonderful roster, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter.” [Photo by Beth Crockatt]
