As previously reported, Def Jam Recordings and label Chairman, L.A. Reid, have formally announced the appointment of Christopher Hicks as the Executive Vice President of the legendary label.

In Hicks’ new position, he will assume responsibility for the acquisition and development of new talent, overseeing producers and guiding the Def Jam brand. Mr. Hicks will report directly to L.A. Reid and Steve Bartels, President and COO of Island Def Jam Music Group, on operational matters. He will be based in Atlanta and New York.

“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.”