Interscope Promotes Michelle An, Laura Carter, Ramon Alvarez-Smikle
Michelle An named president and Chief Creative Officer, while Laura Carter and Ramon Alvarez-Smikle become co-presidents of Urban, following a round of layoffs and departures at the label
Interscope has announced several executive promotions following a round of layoffs and departures, with Michelle An being named president and Chief Creative Officer. An will continue to lead the label's pop/rock division, while also expanding her role to help artists develop their visual identity, storytelling, and long-term career strategy.
Laura Carter and Ramon Alvarez-Smikle have been named co-presidents of Urban at Interscope. The two executives will bring together A&R, marketing innovation, digital strategy, and audience development to support the label's urban artists. According to John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Capitol, Carter and Alvarez-Smikle will connect these different areas to help artists move forward with clarity, momentum, and impact.
The promotions come as part of Universal Music Group's cost-savings measure, which started in 2024. The measure has resulted in a restructuring of Interscope's pop/rock and urban divisions, with several executives departing the company, including Sam Riback, co-president and head of pop/rock A&R, and Nicole Wyskoarko, head of urban A&R.
## What changed The recent restructuring has led to a shake-up in Interscope's leadership, with new executives taking on key roles. Michelle An's promotion to president and Chief Creative Officer marks a significant change, as she will now oversee the development of artists across the label. The appointment of Carter and Alvarez-Smikle as co-presidents of Urban also signals a new direction for the label's urban division.
## Why it matters The promotions at Interscope are significant, as they come at a time of change and uncertainty in the music industry. The cost-savings measure implemented by Universal Music Group has led to a restructuring of the label, with several executives departing. The new leadership team will be tasked with navigating this changing landscape and finding ways to support the label's artists and drive growth.
The promotions also highlight the importance of creative leadership and innovation in the music industry. Michelle An's background in developing artists and her creative instincts will be crucial in shaping the label's future. Similarly, Carter and Alvarez-Smikle's expertise in marketing and digital strategy will be essential in helping urban artists build audiences and communities.
The changes at Interscope will likely have a significant impact on the music industry, as the label is home to a number of high-profile artists. The new leadership team will be tasked with finding ways to support these artists and drive growth, while also navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing industry.
