This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Industry People Labels & Publishers
Universal appoints Warner urban man to Def Jam US role
By CMU Editorial | Published on Thursday 15 March 2012
Universal Music has announced it’s nabbing Warner Music’s US urban music man Joie Manda for the job of President of its Def Jam US label, reporting to the CEO of the major’s Universal Republic Island Def Jam division Barry Weiss.
Confirming the appointment yesterday, Weiss told reporters: “As we look to expand Def Jam and our creative urban music activities even further, there is no one better to lead them than Joie. He has emerged as one of the most-respected young executives in today’s urban music landscape, possessing all the qualifications and experience that are essential to run Def Jam, the world’s most important hip-hop destination. The entire Def Jam family looks forward to working closely with Joie as he puts his unique imprint on the next chapter in the label’s storied and successful history”.
Manda himself added: “Running Def Jam is the greatest challenge of my career and I am appreciative to Barry Weiss for his faith in appointing me to this position. I’m excited to work alongside [Island President] Steve Bartels, who is one of the most talented music execs in the business and who has played such an important role in building the IDJ team. The Def Jam artist roster has always been synonymous with the greatest in hip-hop, and I intend to carry that tradition into the future”.
