Kobalt has appointed two new executives to its global publishing team, including Lindsey Lanier, Vice President, Creative, and Desi O’Meara, Director, Creative.
Lanier will be based in Los Angeles, while O’Meara will be based in New York.
Both will be tasked with signing artists and writers as well as working with the global Kobalt creative roster.
Lanier started her career in music at Universal Music Publishing Group.
During her 11 years there she worked her way from assistant to creative executive and worked with artists such as Jhene Aiko, Big Sean, Childish Gambino, Blackbear, YG, Stacy Barthe, Brian Kennedy & others.
Most recently Lanier was a part of the Motown records team as Vice President of A&R.
There she worked with artists including Tiana Major9, Vince Staples, Smino and others.
In addition to A&Ring Vince Staples’ self-titled LP in 2021, Lanier A&R’d the Queen & Slim Soundtrack, the title track of which, Collide, was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B song in 2021.
Desi O’Meara has over a decade of experience in A&R. He began his career at Island-Def Jam before moving on to become Director of A&R at Columbia Records/Sony Music.
During his tenure at Columbia, he played a key role in identifying, signing and overseeing the creative development of artists such as Dove Cameron, Kaskade, Frenship, and Phoebe Ryan.
Additionally, O’Meara spent a year working with Sony Sweden’s A&R team in Stockholm, where he worked with Scandinavian artists and songwriters.
“I am so excited to join the creative team at Kobalt. For so long, I have been a fan of this company, this team and the incredible roster of global talent across all genres.”
Lindsey Lanier
Lanier said: “I am so excited to join the creative team at Kobalt. For so long, I have been a fan of this company, this team and the incredible roster of global talent across all genres.
“My entire career has been built on my passion for discovering and nurturing talent and I am honored to be able to continue to do that here. I’d like to thank Jamie, Alison, Jeannette, and Laurent for the opportunity to bring that passion and my experience to this innovative and technology-powered music company.”
“I am delighted to be joining Kobalt, a company known for its dedication to music creators and its innovative tech.”
Desi O’Meara
Said O’Meara: “I am delighted to be joining Kobalt, a company known for its dedication to music creators and its innovative tech. I am also honored to join such a talented creative team and privileged to work alongside individuals who share my passion for music and songwriters.
“I have long admired Kobalt’s commitment to service and transparency, and I am grateful to Laurent, Jeannette, Alison, and Melissa for their confidence and support. I look forward to contributing to the team and helping to empower music creators with the resources they need to succeed.”
“The addition of Lindsey further enriches our creative team. Having her come onboard is a huge win for our writers as we continue to distinguish Kobalt as a leading creative destination.”
Jamie Kinelski, Kobalt
Senior Vice President & Head of West Coast Creative, Jamie Kinelski, said: “With her incredible experience, passion for music & respect across the industry, the addition of Lindsey further enriches our creative team.
“Having her come onboard is a huge win for our writers as we continue to distinguish Kobalt as a leading creative destination.”
“With Desi’s focus on electronic and pop, he is a strong asset for Kobalt and a welcomed addition to our team!”
Melissa Emert-Hutner, Kobalt
Said Vice President, Creative, Melissa Emert-Hutner: “We are thrilled to have Desi join Kobalt’s New York-based A&R team. He’s a true champion of music creators, with an impressive history of doing A&R at Columbia Records as well as management.
“With Desi’s focus on electronic and pop, he is a strong asset for Kobalt and a welcomed addition to our team!”
Earlier the month, Kobalt elevated Alison Donald, who joined Kobalt in 2017 from Columbia, to Head of Global Creative.
In the second week of March, Kobalt founder, Willard Ahdritz, led a seven-figure investment round in artist marketing platform, un:hurd.Music Business Worldwide
