Universal Music Group made it official on Thursday (June 17) that Imran Majid and Justin Eshak will be taking over Island Records as co-CEOs, starting Jan. 1, 2022.
As previously reported, the duo will not begin their new posts until the new year, which was expected given their contracts with current label Columbia Records run through 2021. Majid and Eshak have served as Columbia’s A&R co-heads since 2018.
Now that it’s in the books, Majid and Eshak will replace former Island CEO Darcus Beese, who left the label in February and has since joined Warner Music UK. The pair will be based in Island’s New York offices and report to UMG Chairman Lucian Grainge, taking charge of an artist roster that includes Shawn Mendes, Jessie Reyez, Skip Marley, Demi Lovato, Bon Jovi, Sabrina Carpenter, Nick Jonas and more.
“Throughout its history, Island Records has been the preeminent home for cutting-edge and independent-minded artists,” Eshak said in a statement. “Imran and I look forward to carrying on that legacy by placing a long-term commitment to developing artists and cultivating a diverse roster motivated by creative and commercial success.”
Majid and Eshak met in 2004 as A&R executives at Republic Records, meaning their new positions will bring them back to the place where their partnership started: UMG. When making the announcement, Grainge praised Majid and Eshak for being “progressive, modern record executives who will harness Island’s DNA as they navigate the label into the future.”
“During our careers, Justin and I have not only developed a bond of trust between the two of us, but we have cultivated that trust throughout our relationships with artists, managers and producers,” Majid said in a statement. “We simply love music and discovering artists with a new sound or perspective. This is an incredible time to return to UMG and we can’t wait to get started.”
