**Laura Segura **has been appointed executive director of She Is the Music, the nonprofit dedicated to gender equality and increasing the number of women working in music — including songwriters, engineers, producers, artists, and industry professionals. In her new role, Segura will lead SITM’s strategic vision, oversee its global programs and partnerships, and guide the organization’s continued expansion and impact.

According to the announcement, as executive director, Segura will oversee and expand SITM’s core initiatives — including its all-women songwriting camps, global creator database, mentorship cohorts, research and advocacy work, and community partnerships across labels, publishers, studios, management companies, DSPs and educational institutions. She will shape the organization’s long-term strategic vision, guide international expansion efforts, strengthen industry relationships, manage day-to-day operations, lead fundraising and development strategy, and ensure all programs meet SITM’s equity and representation goals. Segura will also serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for SITM’s mission across the global music community.

Segura joins after five years as executive director of MusiCares, where she helped oversee the pandemic relief effort that included 140,000 services and $35.7 million distributed, and led a $16 million relief effort during the recent Los Angeles–area fires. Previously, Segura served as Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations for the Recording Academy.

Alicia Keys, artist, producer and co-founder of She Is The Music, said, “I’m so proud to welcome Laura into this role. She has spent her career lifting people up, building support systems that work, and making sure no one is left behind — and that spirit is at the heart of She Is the Music. Laura understands the challenges women face in this industry and brings the strength, clarity, and compassion needed to create real, lasting change. I know she will help us push our mission even further, opening more doors, elevating more voices, and building a future where women are fully seen, heard, and supported.”

Jody Gerson (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group), Ann Mincieli (GRAMMY-winning engineer and studio owner), and Sam Kirby Yoh (Partner & Head of East Coast Music, WME) — co-founders of She Is The Music, jointly stated, “We’re excited to welcome Laura as she leads She Is the Music into its next chapter. Her dedication to driving meaningful change reflects the mission we set out to champion from day one. Laura brings a rare combination of vision, experience, and genuine care for the people who make this industry what it is. With her leadership, SITM will continue opportunities for women across every part of the music ecosystem.”

+ Rapper-singer Don Tolliver has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for touring representation in North America. Last summer, Toliver wrapped the second leg of the “Psycho Tour” with a summer run in the UK and Europe. The headline tour also saw sold-out arena shows across the U.S., including New York’s Barclays Center and Los Angeles’ Cypto.com Arena. He has landed four consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 with records “Heaven or Hell,” “Life of a Don,” “Love Sick,” and “Hardstone Psycho,” the latter of which landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.

He is managed by David Stromberg, Randall “Sickamore” Medford and Erin Duran, and is represented by Wasserman Music outside of North America.

+ Merlin, the global digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent music companies, has appointed Charlie Lexton as its new CEO, effective January 1, 2026. T

Lexton succeeds Jeremy Sirota and currently serves as Merlin’s COO. Having worked for the organization since its inception, he has played a pivotal role in establishing Merlin as a global force in digital music licensing. He has been at the center of negotiating the organization’s deals with leading streaming and social platforms, the transfer of major parts of the Parlophone Label Group to the independent sector after Universal Music Group’s acquisition of EMI, and managing the sale of Merlin’s equity in Spotify, which delivered over $125 million to its members.

+ Atlantic Music Group has elevated Dave Rocco to the newly created position of chief creative officer at the company. In this new role, Rocco will guide the creative strategy for the label group globally and will continue to lead the team that collaborates with the label’s roster of artists on all visual creative elements, including creative strategy, video, artwork, advertising and more.

He was previously president of creative, joining the label in 2024. He held prior senior roles at Spotify, Universal Music Group and the advertising agencies Deutsch LA and BBDO New York. He will continue to report to AMG Chairman and CEO Elliot Grainge.

“For the last year, Dave has played a crucial role in reenergizing and reimagining Atlantic Music Group,” said Grainge. “His creative contributions to our organization and to our artists have been immeasurable. I’m happy to be able to promote him to this important new leadership role.”

+ Sony Music Publishing has announced the promotion of Jeff Smarr to senior vice president, global copyright, effective immediately. Based out of SMP’s Nashville office, Smarr — a 31-year company veteran — will continue to report to EVP of worldwide administration Dale Esworthy. In his elevated position, Jeff will take on a greater role across strategic initiatives and high-profile deal and acquisition integrations, and continue to oversee SMP’s Global and North American Copyright Administration teams.

Esworthy said, “Jeff is our go-to expert for any copyright question or concern and is unwavering in his commitment to our songwriters and team. I am continually impressed by Jeff’s encyclopedic knowledge of our catalog, and I’m delighted to recognize his work with this well-deserved promotion.”