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www.universalmusic.com/def-jam-recordings-announces-noah-callahan-bever-longtime-cco-complex-newly-appointed-executive-vice-president-brand-strategy-content/ 

NEW YORK, December 4, 2017 – Noah Callahan-Bever – the highly-respected media executive and editor who has spent the last two decades as one of the preeminent voices in hip-hop journalism – has been appointed Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy & Content, Def Jam Recordings, it was announced today by incoming CEO, Paul Rosenberg.

Over the last eleven years—as Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer of Complex, the leading media platform for youth culture—Callahan-Bever helped define, shape and amplify the sound, style and influence of a generation of stars. In his new role, Callahan-Bever will work closely with CEO Rosenberg, his senior executive team, and Def Jam’s all-star roster of artists, to develop the iconic label’s brand identity and equity through strategic alignments and compelling native content. Callahan-Bever will be based out of Def Jam’s New York office and will report directly to Mr. Rosenberg.

“I’ve worked with Noah for nearly 20 years in his various capacities with different companies as writer, editor and CCO,” said Paul Rosenberg. “Throughout that time Noah has demonstrated an incredible ability to create, innovate and connect with audiences. I’m especially excited to have Noah and his skill set become a part of the future of Def Jam as we begin to reimagine the label’s platform, further develop the brand and realize our plan to connect with fans in previously unimagined ways.”

“Growing up, I knew that I could, with steadfast confidence, buy any record with the Def Jam logo on it,” said Callahan-Bever. “So to be gifted the chance to help Paul Rosenberg—who I consider myself extremely lucky to have collaborated with, and learned from, for going on 20 years now—redefine and reassert that superlative brand identity for a new generation of listeners is a dream come true. Def Jam has a tremendous roster, and a very talented staff, and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to work with both.”

Noah Callahan-Bever began working in media when he was 17 years-old, serving as the senior editorial assistant at NYC’s cult favorite ego trip magazine. He attended NYU in 1997, and throughout his college years Noah contributed to VIBE magazine and its hip-hop spin-off, BLAZE. After a two-year stint writing for MTV’s Direct Effect and MTV News, in 2002 Callahan-Bever was named Editor-In-Chief of Mass Appeal magazine, and then Senior Editor at VIBE the following year. In 2005 Noah joined the staff of Complex as Deputy Editor and was promoted to Editor-In-Chief, and then Chief Content Officer, and has been instrumental in growing the once bi-monthly print magazine into the influential, multi-platform, multi-million-dollar digital media company it is today. Over the past few years, Callahan-Bever has overseen the company’s pivot to video, creating popular episodic series like Everyday Struggle and Blueprint and shepherding the brand onto cable TV via Fuse.

www.universalmusic.com/michael-alexander-promoted-executive-vice-president-international-def-jam-recordings-island-records-republic-records/

ZAEH_ALEXANDER_AUSTIN-30 / © Andrew Zaeh | ZAEH, LLC

NEW YORK, DECEMBER 5, 2017 — Republic Records, Def Jam Recordings and Island Records today announced that Michael Alexander has been promoted to Executive Vice President, International.

In this role, Alexander directs artist campaigns outside of the U.S., including marketing, publicity and promotion. He will remain based in Universal Music Group’s offices in New York.

“Ever since Mike took on the reins of representing Republic’s roster outside of America, our profits and chart share across the globe have grown exponentially,” said Monte Lipman, Chairman and CEO of Republic Records. “His promotion and accolades are well deserved.”

“Mike is an extraordinary executive who has been an integral part of Island’s international success with artists including Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Fall Out Boy, The Killers, Nick Jonas, just to name a few,” said David Massey, President of Island Records. “The Island family couldn’t be more proud to work alongside Mike and his incredible team.”

“In today’s expanding global marketplace, hit records can break from anywhere in the world, making this an incredibly exciting time,” Alexander said. “It’s a privilege to work with the most talented artists and executives in the industry. I would especially like to thank Michele Anthony, Avery Lipman, Monte Lipman, David Massey and Steve Bartels for their continued support.”

Alexander and his team played a key role in successful releases from Justin Bieber, Drake, The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, as well as from Alessia Cara, Shawn Mendes and Post Malone.

Alexander has spent his entire career within the Universal Music Group family, having started as an intern in 2003 before becoming an assistant at Island Def Jam in 2005. He then spent the next eight years working in positions of increasing responsibility, including being named Vice President, International in 2012 and Senior Vice President, International in 2013.

About Universal About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

http://www.universalmusic.com/paul-rosenberg-named-ceo-def-jam-recordings/

SANTA MONICA, August 3, 2017 — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced that Paul Rosenberg, one of the industry’s most prominent managers and record label executives who is renowned for developing and supporting the careers of artists including Eminem, 50 Cent and D12, among others, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Def Jam Recordings, effective January 1, 2018.

Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of Goliath Artists Inc., a New York-based management firm that handles the careers of global superstar Eminem, Danny Brown and others.  He is also President of Shady Records, a label launched by Eminem and Rosenberg that released breakthrough albums from hip-hop acts including 50 Cent, D12, Obie Trice, Yelawolf, Slaughterhouse and Bad Meets Evil (Eminem’s collaboration with Royce Da 5’9”).

Steve Bartels, who has decided to step down as CEO of Def Jam, will remain at the company until the end of the year.  Rosenberg will report to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, and be based in Def Jam’s New York headquarters.

In making the announcement, Grainge said, “Over the past four decades, Def Jam has played a pivotal role in elevating hip hop into what is today the world’s most culturally impactful musical genre.  Def Jam’s track record of introducing culturally significant artists is a direct result of the entrepreneurial brilliance that Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin instilled in the label from inception.  Paul brings with him not only a remarkable record of success in hip hop, but an entrepreneurial drive and a deep passion for artist development that will build upon Rick and Russell’s enduring legacy.”

Grainge added, “I would like to thank Steve Bartels for his sound leadership of Def Jam since 2014 when the label returned to its roots as a standalone company within UMG.  During that time, Steve played a pivotal role in the success of Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Big Sean and most recently breaking Alessia Cara, among many others.”

Bartels said, “It has been my honor and privilege to helm Def Jam Recordings.  I am proud of the strength and diversity of the roster that we have built, which continues to reflect the independent roots it was founded on.  I am confident the label rests in the sure hands of not just a music executive but a man who cares deeply about the artists and will continue this legacy of Def Jam forward.”

Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam, said, “I consider Def Jam my foundational legacy and could not be more grateful with the great care with which Lucian and Michele Anthony have brought it to a new generation.  Paul is one of the true mentors for talent and executives in this business and I could not be prouder of continuing and expanding my long-standing support of Universal and of Def Jam’s incredible great new leadership under Paul at a time when hip hop is at yet another high-water mark.”

Rick Rubin, Def Jam co-founder and legendary music producer, said, “Def Jam is a place where artists are free to express themselves, their creativity and their vision.  Paul comes from a place where artists and creativity come first. He supports artists taking creative risks and backs them 100% when they do. Def Jam continues to wave the flag of hip hop culture and Paul will imagine it anew.”

Rosenberg said, “I can’t overstate what an honor it is for me to have the opportunity to carry this brand forward.  The Def Jam name has meant so much to me for so long, and it’s a dream come true to be able to be a part of the next chapter in the label’s storied legacy.  I’m thrilled to be able to meet Lucian’s challenge of carrying the company forward with new goals and great expectations.”

Rosenberg will continue to oversee the career of Interscope Records/Aftermath Entertainment artist Eminem and run Shady Records.

About Paul Rosenberg

Over the course of more than 15 years, Paul Rosenberg has become one of the music industry’s most prominent artist managers and record label executives.

Beyond his role as an artist manager and label executive, Rosenberg served as Executive Producer of 8 Mile, the 2002 blockbuster from Imagine Entertainment and Universal Pictures, followed by serving as Producer with Jimmy Iovine on 50 Cent’s 2005 debut acting vehicle Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ from Paramount Pictures. In 2015, he served as Executive Producer of The Weinstein Company’s Southpaw.  He is also a producer on the upcoming Joseph Kahn-directed Bodied, a dark comedy based in the world of battle rap.

Paul has also served as Executive Producer for the Showtime rap-battle reality series The Next Episode, MTV’s series Gone Too Far, and Fuse’s A Different Spin. He is also Executive Producer of Viceland’s F*ck, That’s Delicious.

In addition, Rosenberg is Producer for Eminem’s SiriusXM satellite radio station Shade45 and co-founder with veteran music journalist Elliott Wilson of RapRadar.com, an online destination for news, music, and video related to hip-hop culture.

A Detroit native, Rosenberg is also an attorney.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries.  Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world.  Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at:http://www.universalmusic.com

http://www.universalmusic.com/statement-sir-lucian-grainge-chairman-ceo-universal-music-group-passing-glen-campbell/

SANTA MONICA, AUG. 8, 2017: “Glen Campbell will forever be an essential part of the fabric of American music. He is not only one of the most versatile and brilliant artists ever to grace us, but he is someone who over the course of a remarkable fifty-plus year career, remained as relevant and productive until his final years.”

http://www.universalmusic.com/scott-greer-named-executive-vice-president-marketing-commerce-def-jam-recordings/

NEW YORK, August 16, 2017 – Scott Greer has been named Executive Vice President of Marketing & Commerce, Def Jam Recordings, it was announced today.  In his new position, Greer will join Def Jam’s senior executive team in leading the legendary label forward, and will immediately oversee the company’s marketing, digital, commerce, branding and creative content initiatives.

Greer’s impressive resume includes a six-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Columbia Records and most recently three years as Executive Vice President of the Capitol Music Group. Throughout his extensive career, Greer has been renowned for his creative vision and marketing acumen. He has created and overseen chart-topping, multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning campaigns for some the most important and successful artists working today, including Adele, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lil Yachty, Sam Smith, Halsey, Daft Punk, Jack White, Pharrell Williams, J Cole, Beck, Mary J. Blige and John Legend.

Greer said, “Def Jam is a truly iconic label. Very few brands have been as synonymous with quality and as definitive of the culture as Def Jam Recordings. Now more than ever, we are seeing the global reach of that culture, and Def Jam is rightfully at its center. Authenticity and cutting-edge artistry have always been at the core of Def Jam’s spirit, and its incredible roster includes some of the most influential voices and exciting new trailblazers in music today. I am thrilled to be joining the team at Def Jam, and honored to be part of its great cultural legacy.”

About Def Jam Recordings

Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, and has represented the very best in cutting edge music and youth culture for over 30 years. Def Jam Recordings began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York’s vibrant street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop, pioneering iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam’s music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand – synonymous with creativity and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars like Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Vince Staples, Jeremih, Jeezy, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Desiigner, Bibi Bourelly and Jhene Aiko, among others.