Chris Blackwell has been promoted to EVP of A&R and Content Strategy at the New York-based Republic Records, which is owned by Universal Music Group.
In this new role, Blackwell will continue to guide the creation and development of content for the entire Republic Records roster.
He will also work with new artists to identify and maximize content opportunities.
Blackwell is based at the label’s Los Angeles office.
Blackwell most recently served as SVP of Creative Content & Development, brought in personally by Republic Records Founder and Chief Executive Monte Lipman.
Blackwell previously produced the series Cooking With Coi Leray alongside platinum star Coi Leray.
He has also collaborated with KA$HDAMI, Lil Wayne, BENEE, and Kash Doll on upcoming programming.
Working with Federal Films, Blackwell leads a slate of multiple projects, including the documentary CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip Hop, based on the Vicki Tobak visual book of the same name and directed by Academy Award winner Joseph Patel (Summer of Soul).
Before joining Republic, Blackwell’s career included four years at All Def Media, where he eventually became Director of Social to C.E.O. in 2019.
During 2020, Billboard named Blackwell among its annual R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players.
Blackwell’s promotion is the latest in a series of executive hires and promotions at Republic Records.
In November 2021, Wendy Goldstein and Jim Roppo were named Co-Presidents of the label.
In April, Republic Records promoted Bryan Kehn to Vice President of Media, and also named Glenn Mendlinger as EVP of Republic Records and President of Imperial Music in the same month.
Republic Records also launched in China in August 2021, becoming the first international label division of the record company to launch worldwide.
“Chris is a 360-degree creative thinker and strategist.”
Wendy Goldstein, Republic Records
Wendy Goldstein, Co-President, said: “Chris is a 360-degree creative thinker and strategist.
“He’s made incredible inroads for our artists to reach critical mass by venturing off the beaten path and treading new territory. He’s a proven visionary whose dynamic personality will be key to our expansion.”
“I refer to what I do as A&R-plus.”
Chris Blackwell
Chris Blackwell, added: “I refer to what I do as A&R-plus.
“More than ever, artists are multi-hyphenates, content creators, and brand builders. I’m honored to be their liaison when it comes to creative projects.
“Monte and Avery have built the perfect space for entrepreneurs to flourish.
“They’ve entrusted me with an innovative role, which speaks to their willingness to break ground in order to break artists.
“My goal is to continue improving this ecosystem for the next generation of diverse artists, executives, and employees.”Music Business Worldwide
