Shakir Stewart promoted to executive VP, Def Jam
Though their titles differ, Billboard reports that Stewart is succeeding Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, who served as President of Def Jam for three years before leaving the label when his contract expired in Dec. '07.
Before his current position, Stewart served as VP, then executive VP, of A&R at Island Def Jam during which time he was credited with bringing Young Jeezy and Rick Ross to the label. His working relationship with IDJ Chairman/CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid goes back nearly a decade when Reid hired the proven industry upstart as creative director of his Hitco Music Publishing. Since then, he's played a stake in the careers of artists ranging from Beyonce to Ciara.
From the looks of the head shot that accompanied the Def Jam press release, Stewart is more than ready to head the venerable hip-hop label. Check him out looking oh so gangsta.
And you thought the rappers on the label were hardcore. Ha.