Shakir Stewart Heads Def Jam As Exec. VP
June 03, 2008
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By Gail Mitchell, L.A.
Def Jam Recordings has tapped Shakir Stewart as exec. VP. Promoted from his post as senior VP of A&R for Island Def Jam Music Group, Stewart succeeds former Def Jam president Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. In his new role, Stewart will retain his A&R responsibilities and report to IDJ chairman/CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid and to Steve Bartels, president and COO of the company on operational matters.
Promoted to IDJ's senior VP of A&R in 2006, Stewart had previously served as VP/A&R at Def Jam since 2004. His signings during that period include hip-hop stars Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. Prior to that, Stewart held various posts including senior VP/creative and GM of Hitco Music Publishing, member of the executive A&R team at Arista Records and A&R consultant with LaFace Records.
Jay-Z spent three years as Def Jam's president before stepping down in late 2007. He recently inked a 360-degree deal with Live Nation.
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