One week after Def Jam Recordings appointed producer/songwriter The-Dream as EVP of A&R, another noted hitmaker has been given a similar title at sister Island Records. Dallas Austin, who has worked with Madonna, Michael Jackson, TLC, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, Chris Brown and many more, will join Island as SVP of A&R. He will report to Barry Weiss, Chairman/CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown.

According to Billboard.biz, Weiss said in a statement that Austin is "a veteran who has been supplying chart hits to this industry for more than two decades, across multiple genres and around the world. Island Records is fortunate that such a coveted creative force is working with the company and its artists, bringing his experience and expertise to Island at this exciting time in the company's history."

Austin himself added, "I am truly honored."