Datwon Thomas has been named to the newly created role of executive producer, talent, for Dick Clark Productions (DCP). In his role, which takes effect immediately, Thomas will be part of DCP’s in-house talent team, collaborating on talent strategy, relations, bookings and creative, leveraging his experience from his 13-year stewardship of VIBE. Thomas will work out of both the New York and Los Angeles offices.
Thomas will also assume the role of editor-at-large of VIBE, supporting big-picture strategy for the brand. In addition, he will maintain his role as PMC’s vice president, culture and media, building diversity initiatives and programs for the company.
“I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my media and entertainment career,” Thomas said in a statement. “My time as editor-in-chief of VIBE has been incredibly rewarding. I would like to thank my staff of all eras for their hard work and support. Entering this new role is a valued achievement and one I take as an honor. I have been consulting with the DCP team for years, and during that time, my love of the rush of live television has grown. I look forward to getting even more involved in all aspects of great projects with amazing talent.”
“We’re very excited to have Datwon bring his experience and unmatched expertise in hip-hop and R&B to DCP,” Jay Penske, chairman, founder and CEO, Penske Media, and CEO, Dick Clark Productions, said in a statement. “His deep relationships and innate creative sensibilities will be instrumental in shaping the future vision of DCP’s world class portfolio of shows.”
Most recently, Thomas served as VIBE’s editor-in-chief. During this time, he pioneered new initiatives for hip-hop and R&B media and created platforms to showcase and discover emerging and established artists.
Since 2019, Thomas has worked closely with the DCP team as a consulting producer for flagship programs including the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Prior to VIBE and PMC, Thomas held positions as the editor-in-chief of hip-hop’s street authority, XXL Magazine, and founder/editorial director of XXL Presents Hip-Hop Soul, among other posts.
