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.”

Former Atlantic Records and Warner/Chappell executive, Chris Hicks, has been appointed Executive Vice President at Def Jam, taking over the vacant position that became available following the death of Shakir Stewart in November of last year.

Hicks joined the Warner/Chappell staff as Vice President, Urban A&R in 2004, and was later promoted to Senior Vice President, Urban A&R for Atlantic Records and Senior Vice President, A&R and Head of Urban Music for Warner/Chappell Music in April 2007.

Hicks founded the publishing company, Noontime, in 1997, where he identified and developed numerous artists, including writers Brian Michael Cox, Jazze Pha, Dave Young and Teddy Bishop. At Warner/Chappell, he was an important figure in striking publishing agreements with T.I., Lil’ Wayne, Yung Joc, LeToya, Eric Hudson and Lloyd, in addition to helping re-sign Timbaland and Dr. Dre.