Friday, Def Jam announced that their Chairman/CEO, Paul Rosenberg, was stepping down from his position. Rosenberg plans on focusing his attention on his management company, Goliath Artists, as well as launching Goliath Records; a joint venture with Universal Music Group.
According to Billboard, Rosenberg’s departure is totally his decision. Jeffery Harleston, UMG’s General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs will serve as the interim CEO as UMG searches for Rosenberg’s replacement.
In a statement following his resignation, Rosenberg stated that “Lucian offered me a dream opportunity to serve at the helm of Def Jam. The experience I had running one of the greatest, most storied record companies of the modern era was incredible. I will remain forever grateful. I’ve learned a great deal, but one of the most important things I learned is that my ability to multi-task is not without limits. My new relationship with UMG gives me the ability to continue to sign and develop talent in a more focused and streamlined way, while still dedicating the time necessary to fulfill my management duties and foster the many entrepreneurial endeavors connected with Eminem.”
Rosenberg had been with Def Jam since 2017. Around that time, Eminem was dialing back on his activity. However, Em has dropped 3 albums in the last 2 years and started touring again.
Under his tenure at the label, he oversaw four number 1 albums including 2 from Logic (Bobby Tarantino II and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) and 2 from Kanye West (Ye and Jesus Is King). He also oversaw hits from artists such as YG, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Jeezy, and YK Osiris.
