One of Music’s Most Dynamic and Successful Artist-Development Teams Joins Iconic Label 

NEW YORK, June 17, 2021 — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced that Imran Majid and Justin Eshak have been appointed Co-CEOs of Island Records, the legendary record label.

Eshak and Majid will join Island from Columbia Records, where they garnered numerous global artist successes as Co-Heads of A&R.

The appointment, effective January 1, 2022, marks a return to UMG for Majid and Eshak, who met at UMG’s Republic Records in 2004 where they worked as A&R executives. Majid and Eshak will be based at Island’s headquarters in New York and report to UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.

In making the announcement, Grainge said, “Island Records has a long, successful track record of discovering, nurturing and breaking some of the most iconic artists in the world. With a well-earned reputation as creative A&R executives, marketers and strategists, Imran and Justin are progressive, modern record executives who will harness Island’s DNA as they navigate the label into the future.”

Majid said, “Justin and I are thrilled to lead Island Records into the future and we’re looking forward to working with the label’s existing roster of iconic artists, as well as helping to break Island artists of the future. During our careers, Justin and I have not only developed a bond of trust between the two of us, but we have cultivated that trust throughout our relationships with artists, managers and producers. We simply love music and discovering artists with a new sound or perspective. This is an incredible time to return to UMG and we can’t wait to get started.”

Eshak said, “Throughout its history, Island Records has been the preeminent home for cutting-edge and independent-minded artists. Imran and I look forward to carrying on that legacy by placing a long-term commitment to developing artists and cultivating a diverse roster motivated by creative and commercial success. We’re thankful to Sir Lucian for this opportunity and we can’t wait to get started working with Island’s artists and staff.”

About Island Records
Since Chris Blackwell first started Island Records in Jamaica 62 years ago, it has remained one of the world’s most legendary record labels and a coveted destination for new and established artists across genres. Its unique ethos has provided the platform for launching some of the biggest influential artists across the spectrum. Today, Island is home to a diverse roster with artists such as Shawn Mendes, Jessie Reyez, Skip Marley, Demi Lovato, Bon Jovi, Sabrina Carpenter, Nick Jonas, Sean Paul, The Killers and more.

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company.

 

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