Joie Manda, has literally been the man behind the music for Def Jam Records.  If you didn’t know, he’s the first Def Jam president since Jay-Z dating back to just over a year ago.  Manda will not be leaving the music industry, but due to personal reasons will be relocating to Los Angeles and will remain within the Universal Music Group by becoming President of Urban Music to Interscope Records.

The announcement was a surprise, made today by Manda’s now former, and new bosses, Barry Weiss, President & CEO of UMG’s East Coast Labels, and John Janick, President & COO of Interscope Geffen A&M, “Joie Manda has resigned as President of Def Jam Records to relocate back to Los Angeles.  As part of his relocation, he will remain within the Universal Music Group family by joining Interscope Records as President of Urban Music”, reports Billboard Biz.

Joie Manda, released in a statement:

“Despite having to move back to Los Angeles for personal reasons, I am truly grateful to Barry, John and Jimmy Iovine (Chairman & CEO, Interscope Geffen A&M) for this exciting new opportunity.  I’ve learned a lot from Barry in the last year and am very appreciative of everything he has done for me. I am now looking forward to being part of the Interscope family, a company uniquely positioned for success despite this challenging  marketplace.”

There’s been nothing but praise for him, with Weiss wishing “him success in his new role at our sister label” and Janick welcoming him with open arms, “I’ve always been impressed by his work ethic and instincts.  He’s going to play a big role in the future of Interscope.”

Manda is definitely an asset to anywhere he goes considering his previous experience in the music industry.  He was “head of Urban Music for Warner Bros. Records, where he was involved in the signing of Common, Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group (Wale, Meek Mill), Waka Flocka Flame and Jill Scott, among others. He started at WMG as Executive Vice President of Asylum Records, starting when the label was revived in 2004 and signed Paul Wall and Bun B. Mr. Manda began his career in music as an artist manager.”

Def Jam has yet to release any information for a new president.

Source: Billboard Biz