Jay is officially out at Def Jam

Stewart named exec VP of Def Jam

Exec responsible for day-to-day activities

By PHIL GALLO

A&R exec Shakir Stewart has been upped to exec VP at Def Jam Recordings.

He will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the label, including acquiring and developing new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the creative vision and brand recognition of the label.

Stewart will be based in Atlanta and New York and report to Antonio "L.A." Reid and Steve Bartels, chairman and prexy-chief operating officer, respectively, of the Island Def Jam Music Group.

Since September 2006 Stewart has served as senior VP, A&R, for Def Jam Recordings. During the two years prior he was VP at the label, signing Young Jeezy and Rick Ross. Stewart was previously general manager of Hitco Publishing and an A&R consultant to LaFace Records.

"Shakir has been an integral part of Def Jam's chemistry ever since he joined the company in 2004," Bartels said. "His instincts for searching out new artists is talked about throughout the industry. In addition, his understanding of every facet of Def Jam's business operation makes us confident in his leadership."