Robert Carlton has been appointed president of SMACK, where he will now oversee all facets of the company, including its publishing, digital and management branches. Carlton will be an equity partner in the company as he takes over from outgoing SMACK president Michael McAnally Baum, who joins the ownership team alongside Robin Palmer and company founder Shane McAnally.
Carlton has worked at SMACK since 2014. The company’s publishing arm, SMACKSongs, includes songwriters McAnally, Josh Jenkins and more than 20 staff writers who have contributed to seven No. 1 country hits in 2022 alone. SMACKManagement’s roster includes “Fancy Like” hitmaker Walker Hayes, while SMACKTok, the company’s digital arm, offers influencer marketing services and focuses on connecting artists with fans through social media platforms.
Carlton also manages McAnally, who’s appeared as a judge on NBC’s Songland and co-created the Broadway musical Shucked, which has been nominated for nine Tony Awards at the 2023 ceremony.
“From intern to the presidency, Robert Carlton’s steady hand, work ethic, and innate instincts have earned him the top office at SMACK,” said McAnally Baum in a statement. “As a visionary who grew up with the company, he has shown how his passion and dedication will lead the team at SMACK into their next chapter of success.”
“What an honor to be entrusted to lead SMACK,” Carlton added. “This is an incredible company with the most incredible people, that all started with Shane, Michael, and Robin’s leadership. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to get to learn, both professionally and personally, from each of them. When I started here almost 10 years ago, I knew it was a great opportunity, but I never could’ve dreamed it would be all that it is today. I think our future is brighter than ever!”
