Christopher Hicks: Def Jam’s New Executive Vice President

via Prohiphop

Christopher Hicks has been appointed the new Executive Vice President at Def Jam.  The appointment was:

“announced today by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. In his new position, Mr. 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. Mr. Hicks will report directly to Mr. Reid, and to Steve Bartels, President & COO, Island Def Jam Music Group, on operational matters. Mr. Hicks will be based in Atlanta and New York…”

“Mr. Hicks comes to IDJ after nearly two years in the joint posts of Senior Vice President, Urban A&R, Atlantic Records, and Senior Vice President, A&R, and Head of Urban Music for Warner/Chappell Music. Prior to that, Mr. 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. Mr. 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.”