Def Jam Recordings' Shakir Stewart promoted

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.

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 Beyoncé 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.