Def Jam Promotes Nicki Farag to Executive VP and General Manager

Def Jam Recordings has elevated promotion veteran Nicki Farag to Executive Vice President and General Manager.

According to the announcement, in her new role, 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. She replaces Rich Isaacson, who left the label late last month.

“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.”

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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. Over the years she has played a key role in the careers of dozens of artists, including Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Big Sean, YG, Alessia Cara and Logic. She is also co-chair of Def Jam Forward, the label’s task force dedicated to social justice reform.

She was also a 2020 Variety “Hitmakers” honoree.

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Reinaldo Massengill

Update: 2024-09-01

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