KWAK RISES AT IDJ
The announcement was made by Universal Republic/IDJ Motown Chairman/CEO Barry Weiss, to whom Kwak will report.
In her expanded role, Kwak will oversee the discovery, signing and nurturing of artists, producers and songwriters for IDJ and its affiliated labels.
The L.A.-based exec will work closely with Weiss and IDJ President/CEO Steve Bartels in this new post.
"As we continue to expand our creative operations across all of our labels, there is no one better to lead our A&R efforts at IDJ than Karen," said Weiss. "Over the past decade, she has developed into one of the most formidable and respected A&R executives in this business. Her track record of hits for a wide variety of artists is exceeded only by those artists' love and trust in her. This is a well-earned and much deserved promotion."
Added Kwak: "I am truly honored to be working with the most cutting-edge and creative artists in the business. I am inspired and excited every day by this amazing and diverse roster and by the new leadership and vision of Barry Weiss. One day, I even hope to meet him."
Kwak has been EVP A&R ops at IDJMG since 2007. Prior to that, she was SVP A&R Ops at the label, instrumental in the success of Mariah Carey, Usher, OutKast and Rihanna, among others. She is credited with discovering the song "Umbrella," which gave Rihanna a worldwide #1 hit, then signed the song's co-writer/co-producer The-Dream to the label.
Kwak's A&R album credits include Rihanna's Loud, Jennifer Lopez's Love and Big Sean's debut Finally Famous, among others.
Kwak came to Island from Arista Records, where she rose to SVP A&R Ops and Administration. Prior to joining the label, she was VP A&R Administration at LaFace Records in Atlanta. She began her career as an intern at Motown Records in 1991, rising to VP A&R Administration in 1999.
