Island Records’ Pres. Darcus Beese Leaving

• Darcus Beese is stepping down as President & CEO of Island Records and is leaving the company. A statement from Universal Music Group confirmed the news, stating, “Darcus informed us of his decision to return to the UK for personal reasons and to pursue new career opportunities there. We fully support his decision and we are thankful to Darcus for his many contributions to Island Records throughout the years.”

Beese previously served as President of Island Records U.K., and was named President of Island Records in New York July 2018, succeeding David Massey.

Beese started his career as an intern in the Island UK promotion department in 1989, and worked his way up through the company, holding numerous jobs including A&R director, where his signings included Amy Winehouse, Sugababes and Taio Cruz. In 2008, Beese was named co-President of the label with Ted Cockle, where they developed Mumford & Sons and Florence + the Machine, among others. Beese was named President of Island U.K. in 2013.