Succeeds former president Jay-Z
Def Jam Recordings has tapped Shakir Stewart as executive vp. Promoted from his post as senior vp A&R at Island Def Jam Music Group, Stewart succeeds former Def Jam president Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.
In his new role, Stewart will retain his A&R responsibilities and report to IDJ chairman/CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid and to Steve Bartels, president and COO of the company on operational matters.
Promoted to IDJ's senior vp A&R in 2006, Stewart had previously served as VP/A&R at Def Jam since 2004. His signings during that period include hip-hop stars Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. Before that, Stewart held posts including senior vp creative and GM of Hitco Music Publishing, member of the executive A&R team at Arista Records and A&R consultant with LaFace Records.
Jay-Z spent three years as Def Jam's president before stepping down in late 2007. He recently inked a 360-degree deal with Live Nation.
