Percas Costner named Def Jam EVP

PECAS PEAKS: IDJ ruler Steve Bartels has upped Shawn "Pecas" Costner to EVP of Def Jam Recordings, following the relocation of former Def Jam prexy Joie Manda to the West Coast and sister company IGA. In his new post, Pecas will help lock in and coordinate all frontline activities for Def Jam and everything these responsibilities entail. "I am thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion," said Bartels. "I have worked with Pecas for many years and have watched him grow significantly over that time. I look to Pecas for applying his energy and deep artist relationships towards helping us drive Def Jam on the path to continued greatness." Pecas enthused that "Def Jam is the greatest hip-hop label in the world, and it is an honor and a privilege to work with such incredible artists every day. I am appreciative of Steve Bartels for his leadership and his continued faith in me as we move the Def Jam brand into the future. With our talented staff, an unprecedented roster of superstars and an exciting crop of newcomers, we are poised to win big in 2013 and beyond." Costner, who came to IDJ in 2005 following stints at Penalty Records, Elektra, Dream Team Marketing and Promotions, Gee Street/V2 and Arista, had been SVP since 2010. His favorite movies are Dances With Wolves, Field of Dreams, Tin Cup and Waterworld. (5/14a)