SAINT HARRAWAY
New York
Summary
Dynamic record executive with over 20 years of shaping contemporary music. Successfully led A&R strategy and artist development, resulting in significant market share growth and multiple Grammy nominations. Recognized for blending creative vision with operational leadership, driving sustained profitability and cultural relevance in a competitive landscape.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-President, Uptown Records
UPTOWN RECORDS
New York
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Launched Uptown Records into the digital era, reestablishing the iconic label as a modern cultural force while honoring its legacy
- Led label-wide A&R strategy, overseeing talent acquisition, artist development, and long-term creative direction across multiple genres
- Led the strategic relaunch and operational execution of Uptown's new chapter, resulting in the label's first Grammy nominations in over 20 years
- Drove commercial growth strategies that enhanced Uptown's competitive positioning and expanded Republic Records' market share through culturally significant releases and scalable global artist development
- Delivered key signings and development initiatives that established sustainable revenue pipelines and global artist franchises
- Partnered with Republic leadership to optimize roster investment, release strategy, and brand equity to accelerate profitability and market penetration
- Oversaw label-wide operations across A&R, marketing, finance, legal, and distribution, ensuring alignment on creative and commercial priorities
- Drove executive decision-making and risk assessment, evaluating partnerships and ventures to strengthen long-term brand equity
- Republic Records
- Key Grammy-Nominated Projects (Uptown Records):
- Best Rap Performance: "Players" - Coi Leray
- Best Pop Dance Recording: "Baby Don't Hurt Me" - David Guetta & Anne-Marie
- Best Progressive R&B Album: FLO
Executive Vice President, A&R
REPUBLIC RECORDS
New York
06.2019 - 06.2024
- Executed signing and repertoire strategies enhancing Republic's market leadership and contributing to revenue growth and global market share
- Played a central role in launching and scaling high-impact artists while partnering with senior leadership to maximize profitability and roster value
- Directed cross-functional execution with marketing, digital, business affairs, and finance to deliver commercially successful release campaigns
- Provided operational leadership, supervising senior creative teams and ensuring streamlined day-to-day execution of label objectives
- Managed project budgets and conducted performance analysis to ensure profitability across artist investments
- Served as a senior executive decision-maker, evaluating growth opportunities, creative ventures, and strategic partnerships while mitigating risk
Senior Manager, A&R
REPUBLIC RECORDS
New York
05.2016 - 06.2019
- Executed signings that drove sustained chart performance across the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, strengthening Republic's competitive position
- Sourced songs and artists for high-impact film and television opportunities, reinforcing Republic's leadership in soundtracks
- Contributed to Republic's exclusive music partnerships across major film and TV properties, aligning repertoire strategy with cultural moments on screen
- Coordinated studio sessions and managed producer relationships to ensure timely delivery of competitive recordings
- Executed rollout strategies and aligned playlisting priorities with marketing and product teams to drive audience growth
- Helped solidify Republic's reputation as the premier home for next-generation global superstars
Managing Partner
JACK STRAW AGENCY
New York
10.2009 - 05.2016
- Led talent and creative agency operations, overseeing client strategy, business development, and partnership execution
- Managed roster of songwriters, producers, and creative talent, contributing to multiple Billboard Hot 100 singles and Billboard 200 albums
- Served as an A&R consultant to major labels and executive teams, helping maximize repertoire value, identify priority recordings, and strengthen release pipelines
- Built strategic relationships connecting artists, creators, and industry partners, enhancing cultural and commercial outcomes
- Guided positioning, project development, and career strategy for high-level creatives, aligning projects with industry trends
A&R, Marketing, Special Projects & Executive Operations
BAD BOY ENTERTAINMENT / ARISTA RECORDS
New York
11.1998 - 10.2009
- Took on A&R responsibilities, leading talent discovery, coordinating studio efforts, and advancing early-stage artist development ahead of typical career timelines
- Began career at Bad Boy Entertainment while still in high school, contributing directly to frontline marketing, promotions, and priority artist campaigns during a defining era of cultural dominance
- Played an early role in street marketing, product strategy, and campaign execution, helping drive visibility, engagement, and commercial momentum for key releases
- Advanced into Special Projects, supporting high-profile initiatives spanning television, catalog-defining legacy releases, and major motion picture soundtrack work
- Supported major creative priorities across label, facilitating strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration among executive leadership
- Established a reputation for taste, urgency, and cultural instinct, laying groundwork for future executive leadership roles
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business, Marketing
University of Phoenix
Skills
- A&R leadership
- Creative direction
- Market growth strategy
- Marketing strategy
- Revenue generation
- Profitability oversight
- Market expansion
- Partnership Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Cross-functional management
- Strategic planning
- Leadership development
- Team leadership
- Talent Acquisition
- Team leadership
Additional Leadership - Co Founder
Courtesy of Records, Cultural hub and incubation platform for developing next-generation talent., Founded Courtesy Of Records to expand artist empowerment, mentorship, and long-term cultural representation., Early signings include Stunna Sandy and Nali, earning major industry co-signs and breakout momentum.
Core Expertise
- A&R Leadership & Talent Development
- Strategic Planning & Market Share Growth
- Executive Operations & Cross-Functional Management
- Financial Oversight & Profitability Strategy
- Artist-First Creative Direction
- Marketing, Promotions & Release Strategy
- Risk Assessment, Partnerships & Expansion
- Cultural Positioning & Global Talent Discovery
Locations
- New York City Metropolitan Area, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
Executive Profile - Summary
Grammy-nominated record executive with over 20 years of cultural contribution shaping the sound and direction of contemporary music. Began as a high school street team intern immersed in grassroots marketing, advancing into traditional marketing and artist development before age 16, and entering A&R by 17 within the BMG family of labels. Known for a rare blend of taste, instinct, and operational leadership, Harraway has built an artist-first career rooted equally in creative fluency and business strategy. His work has shaped defining cultural moments, launched global talent, and driven long-term artist development at the highest level. Most recently served as Executive Vice President of A&R at Republic Records and Co-President of Uptown Records, where he launched the iconic label into the digital era, drove its first Grammy nominations in over two decades, and executed growth strategies to expand profitability and market share.
Professional Highlights
- Identified, signed, and developed breakout talent across genres, guiding artists from early discovery to global cultural relevance.
- Signed and guided Aminé, Ski Mask the Slump God, Coi Leray, and FLO, among others, building long-term creative strategies that shaped defining records and sustained artist careers.
- Launched Uptown Records into the digital era, delivering the label's first Grammy nominations in over 20 years and reestablishing Uptown as a modern cultural force.
- Recognized for artist-first leadership, cultural instinct, and executive vision that consistently drives relevance, market growth, and long-term brand equity.
- Accolades include Billboard Label of the Year (8×), Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players, HITS Daily Double Noisemakers, and service on the XXL Awards Board.
Timeline
Co-President, Uptown Records
UPTOWN RECORDS
06.2022 - 06.2024
Executive Vice President, A&R
REPUBLIC RECORDS
06.2019 - 06.2024
Senior Manager, A&R
REPUBLIC RECORDS
05.2016 - 06.2019
Managing Partner
JACK STRAW AGENCY
10.2009 - 05.2016
A&R, Marketing, Special Projects & Executive Operations
BAD BOY ENTERTAINMENT / ARISTA RECORDS
11.1998 - 10.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business, Marketing
University of Phoenix