Billboard reports that Ne-Yo, formerly with Def Jam, is moving to Motown Records. He plans to bring his Compound Entertainment label with him for the move, and in addition he will take on the roles of senior VP of A&R of Motown.
The chairman/CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, Barry Weiss, commented on the move saying, "this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012."
Newly appointed senior VP of Motown, Ethiopia Habtemariam, said, "We are committed to discovering, developing and nurturing R&B/soul superstars here at Motown. In Ne-Yo we have both a global superstar and arguably one of the best songwriters in music. His presence on the executive team only strengthens our commitment to be the very best in R&B."
Ne-Yo also commented on joining Motown, saying he was honoured, "I'm honored that I¹ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson -- these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it."