Jeffrey Harleston, UMG’s General Counsel and EVP of Business & Legal Affairs, has also been serving as Def Jam’s interim Chairman & CEO and will continue to oversee the label until Balogun assumes his new role in January 2022. In that time, he’s also seen Eminem release two albums in. Balogun’s exit from RCA comes on the heels of the appointment of Columbia Records’ Imran Majid and Justin Eshak as co-CEOs of UMG’s Island Records in a deal to take effect from January 2022. I’m honored to lead Def Jam into its next chapter and thank Lucian and Jeff for their support and this incredible opportunity.” Rosenberg became CEO of the iconic Def Jam Records label in 2018 and, since taking over the position, has signed more than 20 artists. According to Variety, Balogun was hired by Def Jam after the music giant named Nicki Farag, a promotion veteran, as its executive VP and general manager. Def Jam remains one of music’s most iconic brands and has always represented forward-thinking artists and partners that continue to shift ideas and impact culture around the world. “Balogun said, “I grew up on Def Jam’s music - collecting, listening to and studying their albums and singles - those early moments as a young fan have had a lasting influence on who I am today.

Not only does he bring a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of what Def Jam has created over the past four decades, but he also sees the boundless potential of what Def Jam can be to a new generation of artists and fans. Widely acknowledged as one of the most successful and respected creative executives in music today, Balogun is currently EVP of A&R at RCA Records.īalogun will be based in Los Angeles and report to UMG Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, who said, “Tunji is part of a new wave of dynamic executives who view today’s artists and music through a unique creative lens. A successful creative executive, Balogun has worked with artists including Bryson Tiller, Childish Gambino, Goldlink, Khalid and Wizkid over. Balogun will be based in Los Angeles and report to UMG Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge. The role will take effect on January 1, 2022. Universal Music Group (UMG) just formally announced the appointment of veteran A&R executive Tunji Balogun as the new Chairman & CEO of Def Jam Recordings, effective January 1, 2022. Tunji Balogun has joined Def Jam Recordings as its Chairman and CEO.

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