Barry Weiss’s rumored move is official he will be Chairman and CEO of Island/Def Jam and Universal Music Republic Group. Weiss, 51, is currently the chairman at RCA/Jive. The announcement comes almost immediately after LA Reid’s departure from the company to be a judge on Simon Cowell’s X Factor.Lucian Grainge stated in an internal memo: “Throughout his career, Barry achieved that rare and delicate balance between managing artistic needs and the realities of the business. He is a multidimensional executive and entrepreneur, who possesses a deep love of music and an incredibly successful track record in building the careers of premiere artists. He has the talent and commitment to help take these two great companies to new heights.”Weiss will oversee Universal Republic, Mercury Records and Universal Motown.
