May 16, 2005 – New York, NY-Karen Wiessen has been named Vice President Media & Artists Relations for The Island Def Jam Music Group. This announcement was made today by Laura Swanson, Senior Vice President, Media & Artist Relations, The Island Def Jam Music Group. Ms Wiessen will report directly to Laura Swanson.

Based in New York, Ms. Wiessen’s main duties will be to implement and develop national television and print press campaigns for artists on the Island Def Jam roster. She will strategize with the Marketing, Radio, and New Media departments to utilize all outlets to promote Island Def Jam artists.

“This is an incredible opportunity to continue growing with this amazing company,” said Ms. Wiessen. “I look forward to maximizing the print and television exposure for Island Def Jam’s amazing artists, and am honored to work with Laura Swanson, LA Reid, Steve Bartels and the entire talented IDJ staff.”

“As the scope of cross-media coverage and artist relations activities continue to expand and overlap, the traditional role of the publicist in today’s marketplace takes on an entirely new spectrum of responsibilities,” said Ms. Swanson. “IDJ is fortunate to have Karen’s imagination, creativity and strong contacts working on behalf of our artists and we look forward to her continued growth and success.”

Karen Wiessen joined Island Records in 1998 as the National Director of Media & Artist Relations. She was responsible for implementing and developing the press campaigns for PJ Harvey, Willie Nelson and others. Prior to joining Island, Ms Wiessen was a Senior Account Executive at Shore Fire Media, where she worked with Maxwell, Holly Cole, Echo and The Bunnymen and more. Ms. Wiessen is a graduate of Hampshire College with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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