Jay-Z & Kanye West's "Ghost" Writer Named Epic Records President

Amanda Ghost, the British songwriter who has worked with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Beyonce, has been appointed president of Epic Records.

The artist-turned-executive will take office later this month.

Rob Stringer, Chairman Columbia/Epic Label Group, named Ghost the president of Epic on Monday (February 2). Ms. Ghost will join the company effective February 16, 2009 and be responsible for overseeing the overall management and creative direction of Epic Records. (Press Release)

The move represents a trend in placing artists in positions traditionally held by label executives.

"I am delighted that Amanda has chosen to bring her creative vision and flair to the Epic label," Stringer said. "In the changing environment of the music business, record labels undoubtedly need to be complete partners with the artistic community, and Amanda will be the perfect executive to meet that challenge." (Billboard)

Ghost has worked with various platinum-selling artists.

Ms. Ghost's most recent acclaim has come as a Grammy-nominated songwriter, working with artists such as Beyonce, James Blunt, Jordin Sparks, Kanye West, Shakira, Jay Z and many others. She has recently been nominated alongside Beyoncé for a Golden Globe for the song "Once in a Lifetime" the theme song for Cadillac Records. (Earth Times)

She also signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with EMI last year.

EMI Music Publishing has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with hit singer, songwriter and producer Amanda Ghost. The long-term deal will see Ghost join EMI Music Publishing's unrivalled roster of current songwriters, which also includes Alicia Keys, Arctic Monkeys, Natasha Bedingfield, The Feeling, Jay-Z, My Chemical Romance, Take That, Kanye West and Amy Winehouse. (EMI Group)

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