Victor Named Def Jam EVP/Head Of A&R

Respected artist manager and A&R exec Steven Victor is joining Def Jam Recordings as Executive Vice President and Head of A&R. Victor comes to Def Jam with an extensive network of artists, writers and producers that he developed in his roles as a manager heading William Victor Management, Chief Operating Officer of G.O.O.D Music and Senior Vice President of A&R for the Universal Music Group. Victor will be based in Def Jam’s New York offices and report to Paul Rosenberg, who will become CEO of the label on January 1, 2018.

Victor said, “I’ve worked within the Def Jam family for years and am honored to be part of the new leadership driving the future success of this iconic label. I’m genuinely excited to continue Russell and Rick’s legacy of discovering and developing new artists while creating new opportunities for our incredible talent. I’d like to thank Lucian [Grainge] and Paul for trusting me with this task and look forward to working with the A&R and management teams at Def Jam.”

Victor began his career in the publicity department of Interscope Geffen A&M, and went on to play an integral role as the COO of G.O.O.D Music, a joint venture with Kanye West and Def Jam. He has also lead the careers of artists through his management company, William Victor Management whose clients include Pusha T and Dream. Most recently, Victor signed, developed and helped break hip hop artist Desiigner, whose debut single “Panda” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.