The New Architects of Sound: Women Leading the Charge in Major Label A&R

In an industry that long echoed with the sounds of male gatekeepers deciding what made it to airwaves and streaming platforms, a new chorus is rising — one led by women who are reshaping the future of A&R at the major label level.

Over the past few years, women have not only stepped into high-profile A&R roles, but they’ve also been redefining what leadership looks like in an era driven by genre fluidity, data, and deeply human storytelling. It’s not just about representation anymore — it’s about redefining the entire approach to talent discovery, artist development, and the curation of culturally resonant records.

Just look at the recent power moves: Rani Hancock, now Executive VP and Head of A&R at Columbia Records, forged her path starting at Berklee College of Music — as a recording engineer, no less — only to be told she was “too much of a girl” for the studio. Now she’s overseeing signings and shaping the sound of one of the most historic labels in the game.

Wendy Goldstein, recently elevated to co-president of Republic Records, is another force. Over her 30-year career, she’s developed superstars like The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and Common. What was once seen as a climb through a boys’ club has turned into a masterclass in perseverance and excellence.

These leaders aren’t outliers anymore.

Lanre Gaba, now co-president of Black Music at Atlantic Records, climbed from the label’s A&R admin department to becoming the architect behind breakout success stories like Cardi B, Jack Harlow, and Lil Uzi Vert. Her secret? Listening — not just to the music, but to the voices in the room that have historically been ignored.

“There was a time when A&R departments looked like frat houses,” Gaba reflects. “Now, we’re building teams that reflect the audience — diverse, insightful, and culture-forward.”

At Interscope, Nicole Wyskoarko is setting a new standard for inclusivity. As EVP and co-head of A&R, she’s pushing for entry-level mentorship, executive training, and intentional hiring practices to bring more women into the creative decision-making process — not as tokens, but as leaders.

And it’s not just the fresh appointees. Long before #MeToo, before inclusion riders and DEI plans, women like Suzanne de Passe, Sylvia Rhone, and Sylvia Robinson were shaping music history from behind the boardroom doors — discovering the Jackson 5, launching hip-hop’s first hits, and becoming CEOs in a space that barely acknowledged their genius at the time.

Today’s industry is still catching up, but the progress is undeniable. The energy has shifted. From executive offices in Los Angeles to songwriting camps in Atlanta, women are not just in the room — they’re running the session, calling the signings, setting the tone, and most importantly, building the future.

As Hancock puts it, “Artists were tired of hearing the same old stories from the same old voices. Now they’re getting partners who actually listen — who see them.”

So what’s next? A&R is evolving — and so is the face of leadership. It’s no longer about breaking into the boys’ club. It’s about building a new institution altogether — one where talent, vision, and leadership aren’t limited by gender, but expanded by it.