Island Def Jam Names Dallas Austin Senior Vice President of A&R, Island Records

While Island Def Jam Music Group continues to bask in the success of their impeccable roster of artists that include Rick Ross, Kanye West, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and 2 Chainz, the powerhouse company has been making major moves in their executive offices to ensure the ball keeps rolling.

Today, they announced that legendary producer/songwriter Dallas Austin has taken the post of senior vice president, A&R, Island Records.

“I am truly honored to be working with the most cutting-edge and creative artists in the business,” Austin said in a release. “I am inspired and excited every day by this amazing and diverse roster and by the leadership and vision of Barry Weiss, Steve Bartels and the IDJ team. I look forward to discovering new talent and continuing to build on Island Records’ storied history.”

Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, Barry Weiss, calls the more than 20-year vet, Austin, a "modern day music man. Island Records is fortunate that such a coveted creative force is working with the company and its artists, bringing his experience and expertise to Island at this exciting time in the company’s history," Weiss added. "The work he has just done on new Island artist, Nikki Williams, is nothing short of stunning.”

Austin's appointment comes just one week after the company named superstar singer/songwriter/producer The-Dream as executive vice president of A&R.

“I am committed as I have been previously to bringing the power of belief in the artist back to the forefront," The-Dream said in a statement. "I share a unique view of an artist and as well as the business of music. I, with the help of many others, have ran a successful business for the last five years in the midst of the 'digital change.' My concentration and effort will be to the artist to succeed in their dreams and goals. I've been a part of watching and participating in the success of many great women and men including Beyonce, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion to name a few. Music means more than just a download; it’s life to the culture and also the people who listen. This is a new exciting yet critical time for music–‘You Meet Change with Change!’”

Island/Def Jam's next big release is Rihanna's seventh LP, Unapolegetic, set to hit stores on November 19. —Shaheem Reid