Co-head of Urban Music, Columbia Records | Keynote Speaker
Over the course of a career that spans nearly two decades, Phylicia Fant has established herself as one of the preeminent public relations executives in the music industry through her work with Prince, Andra Day, Lil Pump, Jason Derulo, Bebe Rexha, Luis Fonsi, Daniel Caesar, and more. In 2018, she assumed the role of Co-Head of Urban Music at Columbia Records.
Along the way, she has received personal recognition such as being featured in E! Online, Ciroc and Variety, and the alumnae publication of her alma mater Spelman College. Moreover, she’s garnered several honors, including the NAASC NY chapter “Rising Star Award,” the Los Angeles NAASC chapter “Sister’s Awards Alumnae Honoree,” the She’s The Boss Award, the Culture Creators “Innovators Award,” the Urban Music Executive Award, and the HBCU Power Award. Additionally, she receives regular invites to speak on entertainment industry panels everywhere from Complex Con to Revolt.
As Senior Vice President of Media & Strategic Development for Warner Bros. Records from 2011-2018, she has conceived and executed campaigns for a wide array of multiplatinum, award-winning, and chart- topping artists. Past and present campaigns include Drake’s OVO Sound, YFN Lucci, Wu-Tang, RZA, Maybach Music Group, Nile Rodgers, Kimbra, Nico& Vinz, Theophilus London, Common, Gallant, They., Gary Clark Jr., Lianne La Havas, Wale, Saweetie, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and more.
Her diverse experience spans over 17-plus years in the field. Born and raised in Atlanta, Phylicia began her professional career out of college. Starting at Motown Records, she worked closely with many luminaries of the “Neo-Soul” movement of the era, including Erykah Badu and India.Arie. She was soon promoted to the pop music department of parent company Universal Music Group where she worked closely with acts such as Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Lindsay Lohan, JoJo, 3 Doors Down, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Qtip, Akon, Kelly Rowland, Mya, Swizz Beatz, Kid Cudi, and Michael Bolton. Following 10 years at the company, she left Universal Music Group in 2011 and moved on to Warner Bros. Records.