Headlining a wave of new hires and promotions designed to revamp and reenergize the Def Jam Recordings marketing department, highly-respected marketing executive Dara Michelle has been appointed Executive Vice President & Head of Marketing. Michelle – whose vast global marketing experience earned her a high-level executive position at Roc Nation and a consultancy with Justin Bieber on his #1 album JUSTICE – returns to Def Jam, where her career began almost fifteen years ago. Michelle’s appointment was announced today by Jeff Harleston, Interim Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Dara back to Def Jam at this pivotal time of growth and development at the company,” said Harleston. “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.”
“I started my career at Def Jam so this is a proud full circle moment for me,” said Dara 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.”
Michelle comes to Def Jam after a year-long marketing consultancy for RBMG/Def Jam artist Justin Bieber, in which the global superstar released his eighth #1 album and multiple chart-topping hits. She began her career at the former Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) 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. In those roles, she drove projects for Jay-Z and other artists, including the 2015 relaunch of Tidal.
