Business

Barry Weiss out at Universal’s Island Def Jam in East Coast shakeup

Universal Music Group announced that Barry Weiss is stepping down as chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam and Universal Motown Republic Group as part of a shake-up of its East Coast recorded music operations.

Weiss is leaving after Michele Anthony, a former colleague of his at Sony, was named executive vice president of US recorded music — a role that appeared to industry observers to elevate her above Weiss.

Universal said that Weiss is stepping down from his job to enter discussions about creating a new joint venture with Universal boss Lucian Grainge.

Weiss, who is credited with cultivating big acts such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Usher, joined Universal from Sony Music Group in December 2010, after running Sony’s East Coast operations including RCA/Jive.

His departure spells the end of an East Coast management structure created by record executive Lyor Cohen, who ran the group starting in 1998.

Universal said it will dismantle the Island Def Jam group and form three stand-alone labels — Motown Records, Def Jam Records and Island Records. The move will allow the labels to enhance their own marketing and publicity and A&R teams, according to Universal.

Def Jam will be led by CEO Steve Bartels, who was previously president and COO of Island Def Jam.

Ethiopia Habtemariam will become president of the Motown Records label, which will leave New York and return to its prior home in Los Angeles.

Island will continue to be led by David Massey.