Columbia Nashville has upped Lauren Thomas to VP of Promotion & Artist Development. The announcement was made by Steve Hodges, EVP of Promotion & Artist Development.

Thomas will take on the role previously held by Shane Allen, who announced he will be exiting the company after six years at the helm of the Columbia Nashville promo team. Thomas’ promotion is effective immediately, and Allen will remain at the label group until the end of May.

“When Shane informed me that he wanted to pursue another chapter in his professional career, LT was the obvious first choice candidate,” said Hodges. “I am elated that she will be the future leader of the Columbia Nashville Promotion & Artist Development team.”

“I am tremendously honored to be part of the Columbia Nashville team and the long-standing legacy of the imprint,” added Thomas. “Thank you to Randy Goodman, Steve and Shane for the opportunity I have had to grow and learn under your leadership. In addition, I am so grateful to the entire SMN team for your constant belief and inspiration.”

Having first joined SMN in 2009 as National Promotion Coordinator for Arista Nashville, Thomas was promoted to Regional Promotion Manager for the imprint within a year before being named Director of Promotion for SMN in 2016. She was most recently SMN's VP of National Promotion. Thomas also serves on the advisory committee of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.