Executive Turntable: Dasha Smith Named COO of CAA, Warner Music MENA Expands Leadership

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has named Dasha Smith the booking agency’s new chief operating officer on Monday (Oct. 5). She joins the agency from the NFL, where she served as executive vp, chief administrative officer.

“Dasha is a remarkably talented, accomplished and energetic leader with a deep understanding of how global organizations operate at their very best,” CAA co-chairman and CEO, Bryan Lourd, said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming her to our senior management team and benefiting from her significant experience helping to guide leading media and sports organizations.”

Smith added, “I have tremendous respect for the industry leadership position that CAA and its management team continue to build on every year. Even greater is my appreciation for its widely admired, consistent mission to deliver the best possible service and resources to its clients. Joining a culture with that kind of clarity and purpose is an extraordinary opportunity.”

Smith has previously served as executive vp, global chief human resources officer at Sony Music Entertainment and as managing director, office of the chairman at GCM Grosvenor. — Ariel King

Warner Music Middle East & North Africa Expands Leadership

Warner Music Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has expanded its leadership team, with Ahmed Nureni promoted to managing director, MENA, reporting to Guillermo Gonzalez, president of EMEA, recorded music. Ahmad Alghawanmeh joins as general manager, MENA, reporting to Nureni.

“I’m excited to be stepping into this new role at Warner Music MENA,” Nureni said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in the region over the last few years, but know there is so much more opportunity for growth and development. With Ahmad joining our team, we are now in the best position to capitalize on these opportunities and become the number one destination for artists across the Arab world.”

Alghawanmeh added, “I’m delighted to join Ahmed and the talented teams across the region at such a pivotal moment for Warner Music and the industry. The Arab world has a rich and dynamic creative culture. By combining WMG’s global resources with our local expertise, we’re well positioned to be an empowering home for Arab artists and a strong partner in driving their commercial and creative growth.” — Ariel King

See more music industry hirings and promotions below.