NEW YORK, June 3 -- Shakir Stewart has been promoted to
Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings, it was announced today by
Antonio "L.A." Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. Mr. Stewart will
report directly to Mr. Reid, and to Steve Bartels, President & COO, Island
Def Jam Music Group, on operational matters. Stewart will be based in
Atlanta and New York.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080603/NYTU026 )
In his new post, Mr. Stewart will assume overall responsibility for the
day to day activities of the Def Jam label, including the acquisition and
development of new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the creative
vision and brand recognition of the legendary label.
"The bold young management style that Shakir has established at Def Jam
is one of the major reasons behind the label's success today," said Mr.
Reid. "From his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the
world of hip-hop and urban music."
"The past four years have been an unforgettable experience for me,"
said Mr. Stewart. "Having the opportunity to work with a brilliant music
man such as L.A. Reid, along with the most amazing team in the music
business, has afforded me the knowledge and inspiration to take the next
step in my career and continue to amplify and expand Def Jam's stellar
reputation in the industry."
"Shakir has been an integral part of Def Jam's chemistry ever since he
joined the company in 2004," said Mr. Bartels. "His instincts for searching
out new artists is talked about throughout the industry. In addition, his
understanding of every facet of Def Jam's business operation makes us
confident in his leadership of the company into its third decade."
Since September 2006, Mr. Stewart has served as Senior Vice President,
A&R, Def Jam Recordings. That followed two years as Vice President, A&R,
Def Jam Recordings, where his new artist signings included hip-hop stars
Young Jeezy and Rick Ross. Mr. Stewart came to the company from Hitco
Publishing, where he was Senior Vice President & General Manager since
1999, and signed Beyonce to the firm. During that same period, he served as
an A&R consultant to LaFace Records and (from 2000 to 2004) Arista Records,
where he signed R&B sensation Ciara. Mr. Stewart was graduated from
Morehouse College in 1996, with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing.
Contact: Laura Swanson, 212.333.8533
email: Laura.Swanson@umusic.com
Adesina Dowers, 212.603.3928
Adesina.Dowers@umusic.com
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