Universal Music lost two of its senior execs in the US last week - Kedar Massenbury stood down as head of Motown while Kevin Liles announced he was leaving his post as President of Def Jam.
Liles' decision follows the appointment earlier this year of former Arista boss LA Reid to the top job at Universal division Island Def Jam, replacing Liles' former boss Lyor Cohen who moved over to Warner Music. Liles has reportedly been putting off signing a new contract with Def Jam for some time. Whether his final decision to jump ship is based on difficulties working with Reid is unclear - some say it is more likely Liles is quitting because a previously promised promotion with Universal has failed to materialise. The delaying tactics may have been designed to give Universal time to make that offer, or Liles may have simply been waiting for a suitable offer elsewhere to come along. Word is he is considering a job at Reid's former employer, BMG, as well as sounding out former boss Cohen about opportunities at Warner.
Announcing that Liles was leaving the company, Reid tried to be positive: "Over the past decade, Kevin Liles has made remarkable contributions in establishing Def Jam as one of the great brands in the music business. We wish him much success as he moves into the next phase of his career. I especially want to thank Kevin for all of the help he has given me during the transition period since I came to IDJ." However rumour has it Liles' departure is not without drama, and the former exec may yet take Universal to court over monies he claims he is owed. Universal top guard, meanwhile, are said to be concerned that in losing Liles they are losing their main link to star rappers like Jay-Z and DMX, and to Def Jam founder Russell Simmons.