The Magazine

Island Def Jam Names Karen Kwak Executive Vice President/Head of A&R

Island Def Jam, a division of Universal Music Group, has appointed Karen Kwak to Executive Vice President/Head of A&R, in an expansion of its A&R operation. Kwak will now oversee the discovery, signing and nurturing of artists, producers and songwriters for the label.

She was promoted from Executive Vice President, A&R Operations, a position she has held since 2007. Kwak has also served as Senior Vice President, A&R Operations for Island Def Jam.

Kwak is credited with having been instrumental in the success of Mariah Carey, Usher, OutKast, Rihanna and others. Her recent A&R album credits include Rihanna's "Loud," Jennifer Lopez's "Love?," Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas II You" and Big Sean's debut "Finally Famous."

The Island Def Jam executive began her career as an intern at Motown Records, continuously rising and reaching the position of Vice President, A&R Administration after eight years. Kwak has also worked at Arista Records and LaFace Records.

Universal Music Publishing Group Names Keith D'Arcy Vice President of Catalog Marketing and Special Projects

Universal Music Publishing Group has appointed Keith D'Arcy Vice President of Catalog Marketing and Special Projects, it was announced yesterday (Aug. 21).

His primary focus is to find creative placement opportunities for Universal Music Publishing Group's song catalog in film, television, and advertising campaigns, with a special focus on nurturing the deep catalog songwriters.

"I am delighted at the prospect of learning and living this truly unparalleled catalog, getting to know the UMPG writer community and working with Evan, Brian, and the best and most dynamic synch team in the business," D'Arcy said in a statement.

He has previously been employed by JSM Music, Bates Worldwide advertising agency, Sacred Noise, EMI Music Publishing and Sony BMG Music Entertainment.