MUMBAI: Christopher Hicks has been appointed as executive vice president at Def Jam Recordings. The announcement was made by Island Def Jam Music Group chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid.
In his new position, Hicks will assume overall responsibility for the acquisition and development of new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the creative vision and brand recognition of the legendary Def Jam label as it celebrates its 25th year anniversary in 2009. Hicks will report directly to Reid, and to Island Def Jam Music Group president & COO Steve Bartels, on operational matters. Hicks will be based in Atlanta and New York.
"Chris has a musician’s ear for talent and hit songs that has brought him huge long-term success in the industry," said Reid. "His track record in Atlanta has resulted in breaking some of the biggest names in Urban and hip-hop out of that city over the past decade. We look forward to the next quarter-century of history with Def Jam as we welcome Chris aboard."
Hicks comes to IDJ after nearly two years in the joint posts of Atlantic Records senior vice president, Urban A&R and Urban Music for Warner/Chappell Music senior vice president A&R
Prior to that, Hicks spent three years at Warner/Chappell as a vice president Urban A&R, since 2004. There he played a key role in striking publishing agreements with T.I., Lil’ Wayne, and The-Dream, among others. Hicks was also instrumental in Warner/Chappell’s re-signing of Dr. Dre in 2005, and the purchase of the Timbaland catalog and his re-signing in 2006. During his stint at Warner/Chappell, Hicks re-structured the department and guided the company to unprecedented success.
Hicks began his career at the Atlanta-based music publishing company Noontime, the company he founded in 1997. Noontime formed a joint venture with Warner/Chappell in 2000. Hicks continued to run the company throughout his years at Warner/Chappell and Atlantic.
