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Christopher Hicks has been named the new Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings it was announced earlier today (February 17), by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group.

As Executive Vice President, Hicks will be responsible for the acquisition and development of new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the creative vision and brand of the label.

Reporting directly to L.A. Reid and Steve Bartels, President & COO of Island Def Jam Music Group, Hicks will be based out of New York and Atlanta, like his predecessor, Shakir Stewart.

“Chris has a musician’s ear for talent and hit songs that has brought him huge long-term success in the industry,” said Mr. Reid. “His track record in Atlanta has resulted in breaking some of the biggest names in Urban and hip-hop out of that city over the past decade. We look forward to the next quarter-century of history with Def Jam as we welcome Chris aboard.”

Hicks’ previously held the Senior Vice President of Urban A&R at Atlantic Records and Senior Vice President, A&R and Head of Urban Music for Warner/Chappell Music positions.

Prior to his joint positions, Hicks was Vice President of Urban A&R of Warner/Chappell since 2004 where he significant role in publishing agreements with Lil’ Wayne, T.I. and other artists.

Hicks was also involved in re-signing Dr. Dre in 2005 as well as acquiring Timbaland’s catalog in 2006.

Hicks replaces Shakir Stewart who was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his apartment early November of 2008.