CAA appoints former NFL executive Dasha Smith as chief operating officer

Creative Artists Agency Hires Dasha Smith as Chief Operating Officer

Creative Artists Agency has appointed Dasha Smith as its new chief operating officer, bringing in an executive who most recently served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer at the NFL. Smith takes on the day-to-day operational responsibilities at the talent and sports agency, working alongside senior management. Her appointment places a seasoned executive into the C-suite of one of the entertainment industry’s influential agencies.

Executive Background at the NFL and Sony Music

She managed a diverse enterprise portfolio that included technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, data and analytics, strategy and business intelligence, human resources, inclusion, social responsibility, philanthropy, and league office administration. Before joining the sports league, Smith worked as executive vice president and global chief human resources officer for Sony Music Entertainment. Her resume also includes nearly 10 years at Time Inc., where she led global employee relations and employment law, and served as a senior attorney in Time Warner’s publishing division focusing on mergers and acquisitions. She began her legal career at prominent law firms including Latham & Watkins, Covington & Burling, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Leadership Statements on the C-Suite Appointment

“Dasha is a remarkably talented, accomplished and energetic leader with a deep understanding of how global organizations operate at their very best,” Lourd said. “I have tremendous respect for the industry leadership position that CAA and its management team continue to build on every year,” she stated. “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.” Outside of her executive roles, Smith serves as a board member for financial advisory firm CAPTRUST and investment management firm Cohen & Steers, alongside trusteeships for education and arts nonprofits.