Thomas Upped To VP/Marketing, Def Jam

• Charlene Thomas, who began her career overseeing marketing for legendary rap label Loud Records and has been pivotal to Def Jam’s successes over the past three years, has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing.

The announcement was made by Jeff Harleston, Interim CEO, Def Jam Recordings, who commented, “Charlene brings a distinguished and enviable track record of experience and success with some of the most foundational artists in hip-hop. She has been — and will continue to be — a huge driver for some of our most important and high-profile projects, and I’m extremely proud to announce her promotion.”

Thomas was a part of history at Loud Records, where she served as VP of Marketing and VP of A&R. Her career path also includes heading the marketing departments at Roc-a-Fella Records and Slip-N-Slide Records. Over the past three years at Def Jam, Thomas has overseen the breakthrough of Fredo Bang, the unique lifestyle marketing around the Coming 2 America soundtrack, the comebacks of Fabolous and Jadakiss, and the roll-out of DMX‘s posthumous album EXODUS. Thomas is currently developing marketing strategies for Kanye West, Big Sean, Hit-Boy, LL Cool J, 2Chainz, Jeezy and more.

“Def Jam continues to be a driving force that shapes the culture through a musical and artistic lens,” said Thomas. “Being a part of this legacy has always been my dream and I’m extremely excited to add my contribution. As a lead marketing executive at Def Jam, my goal is to create opportunities that will continue to catapult careers and unique experiences for our artists, executives and the BIPOC community.”