David Massey has been named President of Island Records. The appointment was announced today by Barry Weiss, Chairman/CEO of the East Coast Label Group, and is effective immediately. Massey will continue to report directly to Weiss and will work closely with IDJMG President/COO Steve Bartels. According to the announcement, Massey's promotion is a "further expansion of the Island Def Jam Music Group’s A&R and creative initiatives."
Massey has spent the past six years as President of Mercury Records, which will remain a core imprint within the Island Records family of labels. While there, he worked extensively with artists such as Duffy, Portishead, Taio Cruz, Neon Trees, The Wanted, The Saturdays, The Gaslight Anthem, Jake Bugg and Luke James, and also helmed A&R duties for artists including Bon Jovi, The Killers and Fall Out Boy.
"David has had great successes since joining the company six years ago," stated Weiss, "and it is a track record that he now takes with him to Island, as we put even more resources into our vital creative areas. David’s musical instincts for spotting talent are second to none, and his relationships with the artists and his proven leadership skills are the perfect fit to drive Island Records into the future."
"I am truly excited to take on this great challenge," said Massey. "The extraordinarily talented artists and executives I have worked with at Mercury and Island have been an inspiration, and no one could ask for any more experienced and astute leadership than Barry Weiss and Steve Bartels. I hope to bring even greater success to Island Def Jam in the years ahead."
The Mercury Records A&R team will continue to report to Massey. Matt Galle will continue to provide exclusive A&R services to Island Records, and his Photo Finish Records will remain within the Island Records family of labels. Also reporting directly to Massey will be Chris Anokute, SVP of A&R for IDJMG, and producer/composer Dallas Austin, SVP of A&R for Island Records.
Prior to joining IDJMG/Mercury in 2007, Massey was President of his own Daylight Records, and EVP of A&R for Sony Music Label Group U.S.