Over the past three years at Def Jam, Thomas oversaw the debut of Fredo Bang, the lifestyle marketing around the Coming 2 America soundtrack, the music returns of Fabolous and Jadakiss, and the roll-out of DMX’s posthumous album EXODUS.
Currently, Thomas is developing the marketing strategies for Kanye West, Big Sean, Hit-Boy, LL Cool J, 2Chainz and Jeezy, says Def Jam.
During a previous tenure as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of A&R at Loud Records, Thomas worked with acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Big Pun and Lil Flip.
Thomas also signed and helped develop the group Three 6 Mafia, the first hip-hop group to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song with It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp in 2006. Fellow nominees that year included Dolly Parton and Bird York.
Thomas then joined the marketing departments at Roc-a-Fella Records and Slip-N-Slide Records, in addition to helping guide branding campaigns for Pepsi, Miramax Films, Levi’s, Hugo Boss, Barclays Bank and the Ice Cube 3-on-3 Basketball League.
Thomas joins a raft of new hires and promotions at Def Jam, including Lena Franklin as Vice President of Marketing, Dara Michelle as Executive Vice President & Head of Marketing, Chelsea Blythe as Senior Vice President and Tunji Balogun as Chairman and CEO, who will take up his position in the new year.
“Charlene brings a distinguished and enviable track record of experience.”
Jeff Harleston, Def Jam Recordings
Jeff Harleston, Interim CEO, Def Jam Recordings, said: “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.”
“Def Jam continues to be a driving force that shapes the culture through a musical and artistic lens.”
Charlene Thomas
“Def Jam continues to be a driving force that shapes the culture through a musical and artistic lens.
“Being a part of this legacy has always been my dream and I am 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.”Music Business Worldwide
