UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP BREAKS UP ISLAND DEF JAM MOTOWN

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Changes are being made with Universal Music Group.

As the label reorganizes, its Island Def Jam Motown group will be broken into three standalone labels. The restructuring also brought about some promotions for key executives.

According to a press release issued by UMG, the changes will be effective immediately.

Def Jam will operate under longtime executive Steve Bartels. He will serve as CEO.

David Massey will continue to hold the top position at Island. The label will add its own marketing, publicity and A&R departments.

Motown will relocate to Los Angeles headed by Ethiopia Habtemariam.

The press release also states that Barry Weiss, who previously served as chairman and CEO of East Coast Labels, will step down “in order to enter into discussions with UMG about a new venture together.”