Kevin Liles Biography

Kevin Liles ascent from unpaid intern to president author philanthropist motivational speaker and consultant to many entertainment and political boards began in 1991 when he became an unpaid intern for Def Jam in the Mid-Atlantic region. By 1993 he had become the Mid-Atlantic Marketing Manager and by 1998 after only seven years Liles accepted the position of President of the Def Jam Music Group. During his tenure as President Def Jam revenues doubled to $400 million. In addition to presiding over the label’s artist roster and day-to-day business at Def Jam Liles oversaw the diversification of the Def Jam brand including establishing Def Jam South Def Soul Def Soul Classics Roc-A-Fella and Murder Inc. He also led the brand-extension efforts and cross marketing deals that linked Def Jam's name to movies television DVDs clothing financial services mobile content and video games. As President and CEO Liles spearheaded Def Jam Interactive – to partner with Electronic Arts – which led to the creation of three Def Jam-branded video games and over ten different sku's. Titles such as Vendetta Fight for New York and Icon have sold more than 8 million units worldwide to date. Liles recently orchestrated a new partnership with 4mm games launched by former Rockstar game founders Jamie King and Gary Foreman. The first release the highly anticipated Def Jam Rapstar is scheduled for early 2010.
Following the merger that created the Island/Def Jam Music Group in 2002 Kevin Liles added the title of executive vice president of Island Def Jam Music Group to his resume. Thanks to his uncanny ability to provide leadership while allowing artists the freedom to create he has been instrumental in the success of and eventual cross-over of many artists who have made the leap from “performer” to “global brand” – Jay Z Hoobastank Ludacris Sum 41 Ja Rule LL Cool J DMX Kanye West Musiq Soulchild and Ashanti.

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