MUMBAI: The Island Def Jam Music Group  (IDJMG) has appointed David Massey as the president with immediate effect. The move is stated to be a part of the group’s expansion into its A&R and creative initiatives.

The announcement was made by East Coast Label Group chairman and CEO Barry Weiss. In his new role, Massey will report to Weiss and will work closely alongside Island Def Jam Music Group COO and president Steve Bartels. He will mainly be responsible for growing the team by adding creative talent and more.

The Mercury Records A&R team will report directly to Massey along with Island Def Jam Music Group SVP A&R Chris Anokute and Grammy Award winning producer, composer and SVP A&R Island Records Dallas Austin.

Weiss said, “David has had great successes since joining the company six years ago 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.”

Massey said, “I am truly excited to take on this great challenge. 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.”

Prior to this appointment, Massey was president of Mercury Records from past six years and has achieved significant success with an artist roster that includes worldwide sensation Duffy, Portishead, Taio Cruz, Neon Trees, the Wanted, the Saturdays, the Gaslight Anthem, critically-acclaimed newcomer Jake Bugg and Grammy-nominated Luke James and more.  He has also helmed A&R duties for major Island Records artists like Bon Jovi, the Killers and the return of Fall Out Boy.

He has a wide experience and has earlier worked with companies like Sony Music Entertainment, Daylight Records, Epic Records and Big World Records.