Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam To Become CEO of Motown

In late January, it was announced singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo, will be leaving Def Jam records to join Motown where he’ll become Senior Vice President of A&R . As Senior VP he’ll be responsible for finding and cultivating new talent for the label, founded by musical pioneer Berry Gordy.

In an official statement,  Ne-Yo notes that his dual roles, as exec and artist, will mirror that of one of Motown’s break out stars and veteran, Smokey Robinson. He says, “I’m honored that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson — these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it.”

“His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark,” said Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss in the same statement. “But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012.”

Ne-Yo has certainly come a long way since his break out hit, “So Sick”, in 2006. Like he says, this will be huge shoes to fill but we do wish him well. Not many artists have transitioned, or even successfully, into the business side of the music industry. Good luck Ne-Yo.

Source: Black Enterprise