MOTOWN MARRIES MARKETING, ACTIVISM WITH THOMAS

Jamila Thomas, co-founder of the global initiative #TheShowMustBePaused, has joined Motown as Vice President, Artist Marketing.

Thomas will oversee marketing strategies and campaigns across Motown’s roster of artists and partners. In addition, she will serve as a thought leader for the label and lead marketing initiatives for Motown’s newly relaunched historic spoken word imprint, Black Forum. Thomas will also continue her work at #TheShowMustBePaused.

“Jamila is a proven and passionate advocate for artists and an incredibly talented marketer who operates from a place of true passion for music, culture and community,” Motown Chairman and CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam said.

Most recently, Thomas was Senior Director of Marketing at Atlantic Records, where she worked on campaigns for artists such as Ugly God, Pardison Fontaine and PNB Rock. Prior to Atlantic, Thomas was Head of Marketing at Asylum Records.

Thomas had a previous stint at Universal Music Group, working at Def Jam and Cash Money on campaigns for Jhene Aiko, Pusha T, Big Sean, Jacquees, Drake and Nicki Minaj.

“Throughout her career, Jamila has demonstrated her understanding and ability to build and execute campaigns that help artists connect with fans around the world,” Brian Nolan, EVP Motown and Motown Marketing, said. “She has incredible instincts and vision as a marketer.”

A year ago, in the wake of the global pandemic and social injustices, both across the U.S and the world, Thomas and Brianna Agyemang co-founded #TheShowMustBePaused to address inequities, racism and social injustices. The program began with the music industry shutting for a day “take a beat for an honest, reflective and productive conversation about what actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community.”