David Massey has been named president of Island Records, in what is described in a press release as a “further expansion of the Island Def Jam Music Group’s A&R and creative initiatives.” The appointment, which was announced by Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO of the East Coast Label Group, is effective immediately. Massey will continue to report directly to Weiss and will work closely with IDJMG president/COO Steve Bartels.
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 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.
The Mercury Records A&R team will continue to report to Massey, the statement said. 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, Senior Vice President, A&R, IDJMG, and producer/composer Dallas Austin, Senior Vice President, A&R, Island Records.
Massey was appointed President, Mercury Records, in March 2007. He came to IDJMG from Sony Music Entertainment, where he served as president, Daylight Records, which he founded in late 2000, and Executive Vice President, A&R, Sony Music Label Group U.S., since 2004. He spent his first ten years at Sony Music with Epic Records, starting as Vice President of A&R in 1991, continuing as Executive Vice President/General Manager from 1997 to 1999, and then Executive Vice President A&R until 2001.
Prior to joining Epic, Mr. Massey was based in London where he had a successful career in artist management in addition to heading his own independent record company, Big World Records. He holds a Masters in Law from Cambridge University.