Tunji Balogun to head up Def Jam

The company made the development public this week. Balogun’s new role marks a return to Universal Music Group (UMG), where he was an A&R executive at Interscope Records from 2007 to 2015. He replaces Eminem’s long-time manager, Paul Rosenberg, who stepped down as chairman and CEO in February after a two-year stint. Balogun will be based in Los Angeles and report to UMG chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.

UMG’s general counsel and executive vice-president of business and legal affairs Jeffrey Harleston will continue to helm the label until Balogun assumes the role next year. Harleston has also served as Def Jam’s interim chairman and CEO.

“I grew up on Def Jam’s music – collecting, listening to and studying their albums and singles,” Balogun said. “Those early moments as a young fan have had a lasting influence on who I am today. Def Jam remains one of music’s most iconic brands and has always represented forward-thinking artists and partners that continue to shift ideas and impact culture around the world. I’m honoured to lead Def Jam into its next chapter and thank Lucian and Jeff for their support and this incredible opportunity.”

Harleston described his time at Def Jam as “an honour and a pleasure.”

“Having had the privilege of working with Tunji for more than a decade, I couldn’t be happier to hand the reins over to him,“ he said. “Tunji has all the tools to take the Def Jam brand and artists to new levels of success. He has the vision. He has a track record of signing the best and brightest new talent who move culture around the world and has always been an incredible advocate for artists.”

“Tunji is part of a new wave of dynamic executives who view today’s artists and music through a unique creative lens,” Grainge said. “Not only does he bring a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of what Def Jam has created over the past four decades, but he also sees the boundless potential of what Def Jam can be to a new generation of artists and fans.”

Balogun began his music career as a marketing intern at Warner Bros Records almost two decades ago. He has worked with artists including Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid as well as Amercian acts Bryson Tiller, Childish Gambino and Khalid, among manty others. He is also behind Keep Cool – an RCA imprint he co-founded with Courtney Stewart, Jon Tanners and Jared Sherman in 2018 – and was recently listed on Billboard’s R&B Hip Hop Power Players list.