(November 24, 2008 – New York, NY) Jeff Straughn has been appointed Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Island Def Jam Music Group, it was announced today by Steve Bartels, President & COO, Island Def Jam Music Group. In his new role, Mr. Straughn will be responsible for building long term integrated strategic partnership programs between Island Def Jam and its respective artists, with corporate America and their respective brands, where partnerships are formed in which both entities share assets to meet mutually beneficial marketing goals. Mr. Straughn, who is based in New York, reports to Mr. Bartels. Mr. Straughn has served as Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Island Def Jam Music Group, since July 2005. While at IDJ, Mr. Straughn has been responsible for building year-long relationships with many consumer and auto and electronic brands where both partners feed off each others assets and develop fully integrated and sound partnerships. Mr. Straughn was also instrumental in creating and launching Tag Records with IDJ and Procter & Gamble.

“Jeff has made major contributions to the marketing plans of our artist campaigns,” said Mr. Bartels. “He thinks out-of-the-box and follows through in his pursuits with fortitude. We are thrilled to be able to give Jeff his well deserved promotion as recognition for those efforts and we look forward to the energy he will bring to the future growth of the Island Def Jam Music Group.”

“It’s a privilege to work for an organization that-under the forward-thinking leadership of LA Reid and Steve Bartels – is embracing the future of the music industry. These past few years have been a real thrill and I have gained tremendous experience along the way,” said Mr. Straughn. I am truly humbled and honored to be able to call this amazing iconic label Island Def Jam my home.”

Straughn came to IDJ after nine years at Octagon Sports and Entertainment (a member of Interpublic group), where he was Vice President of Music & Entertainment. He began his career in advertising in 1989, as Assistant Account Executive at API Advertising (a subsidiary of Saatchi/Saatchi). In 1992, he moved to Bozell Advertising, where he was Senior Account Executive for three and a half years. He joined ADV Marketing in 1996, as Account Director. Mr. Straughn graduated from Bradley University in Illinois, with the Bachelor Of Science Degree in Advertising & Public Relations. He received his Associates degree in Communications from Keystone College in Pennsylvania.

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