Various Artist Management (VAM) has appointed Alice Vaughan as director of A&R and promoted Carimei Smith to senior day-to-day manager/general manager of North America, effective immediately.
Vaughan will be based in London and report directly to VAM CEOs David Bianchi, Danny D and Tim Blacksmith (Stella/Alternative Songs) and Joe Etchells (Global Head of A&R Artist Management/Alternative Songs).
VAM members include Tom Grennan, Good Neighbors, Melanie C, Ashnikko, The Libertines, Supergrass, La Roux and Rose Gray.
Vaughan will work in VAM’s publishing arm (Alternative Songs) and record label (23 Recordings), as well as manage the company’s roster of writers and producers.
Vaughan’s extensive career in music spans more than a decade. During her five years at Sony Music Publishing, she signed artists such as Lola Young, Ellie Goulding and Matilda Mann, and represented international hit songwriters and producers such as Phil Plested, Jamie Scott and Digital Farm Animals. She has also signed Sam Romans, screenwriter of Lewis Capaldi’s global hit Someone you loved.
Her most recent position was A&R Director for EMI Records, which included Caity Baser.
VAM also announced the promotion of Carimei Smith to senior day-to-day manager/general manager of North America.
Smith has been with VAM for three years, overseeing global music activities for artists including Ashnikko, Good Neighbors, Melanie C, Tom Grennan and Barns Courtney.
VAM noted that she played a key role in managing artist relations while also overseeing studio and financial operations in the United States.
During his tenure at VAM, Smith worked closely with the North American roster. She contributed to the success of Good Neighbor’s US platinum single Home and played a key role in the release of Ashnikko’s debut album herbicide and its sold-out U.S. tour.
“I’m excited to continue growing our footprint and team at Artist Management in Los Angeles and excited to continue being part of such a lovely team.”
Carly Mae Smith
Commenting on her promotion, Smith said: “I’m excited to continue to expand our footprint and team at Artist Management Los Angeles and to continue being part of such a lovely team.”
“Working with alternative artists from their infancy through to global success while contributing culturally is key, and VAM does this brilliantly.”
Alice Vaughn
Vaughan added: “Working with alternative artists from their infancy through to global success while making a cultural contribution is key and VAM does this brilliantly.
“In this time of rapid change in the industry, the opportunities for true artists and non-linear thinkers are so great, and I’m especially excited to be working with this team and its members.”
“Alice’s record of excellence over the past decade speaks for itself and is a testament to her passion and commitment. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.
David Bianchi
David Bianchi said: “Alice’s outstanding performance over the past decade speaks for itself and is a testament to her passion and commitment. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.”
“Carimei is an important part of the VAM family and has played a key role in many of its recent global successes. I am delighted to see her promoted to this new and well-deserved position!
Matt Luxon
CEO Matt Luxon said: “Carimei is an important part of the VAM family and has played a key role in many of its recent global successes. I am delighted to see her promoted to this new and well-deserved position!
CEO Matt Luxon said: “Carimei is an important part of the VAM family and has played a key role in many of its recent global successes. I am delighted to see her promoted to this new and well-deserved position!
VAM scored two number one albums in the UK with The Libertines and Tom Grennan, and had one of the fastest streaming debuts of all time with Good Neighbors, one of three artists announced in the UK. British Rising Star Awards 2025.global music business
