Tim Pitowz Appointed General Manager at Def Jam
Universal Music Group’s Def Jam has appointed Tim Pitowz as its general manager.
Pitowz, who previously served as president at the Entertainment Management Company Three Six Zero, brings extensive experience to the role. At Def Jam, he will oversee label operations, reporting to the chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, Tunji Balogun.
He will be based at the Def Jam headquarters in New York.
Pitowz’s Background and Experience
Pitowz spent two years at Three Six Zero, where he managed records, publications, and projects in film and television. During his time there, he successfully produced global campaigns for various talents, including Calvin Harris, Willow, Marcus Rashford, FKA Twigs, Skepta, Dom Dolla, and Kid Cudi.
Previously, he held senior positions at Orchard, Sony Music Entertainment Australia, Emap Australia, Next Publishing, and Granada in the UK. He founded an Artist & Label Services unit, signing acts like Baby Keem, Tems, Daniel Caesar, Jack White, and Caroline Polachek. During this time, he also initiated strategic partnerships with Human Resources, NVAK, and Terrible Records.
He spent 12 years at Sony Music Entertainment in Sydney, Australia, where he held various roles, eventually becoming the general manager for marketing and artist development.
Pitowz also fosters industry relations as a consultant with Metal Creative Agency and Creative Futures Collective charity.
“Not only is Tim a world-class leader, but he is also a rare person in our business who understands how culture moves and always has a finger on the pulse of what will happen next.”
Tunji Balogun, Def Jam Recordings
“Def Jam has long been at the creative intersection of artistry, success, and culture. The opportunity to join this dynamic team and work again with Tunji Balogun, known for his unparalleled style and taste, is a privilege. I am excited to contribute to the next chapter of this iconic label,” said Pitowz.
Commenting on the appointment, Balogun stated: “I have known Tim Pitowz for almost a decade, dating back to our days at Sony Music, where we collaborated closely to develop and break several new artists.
“Not only is Tim a world-class leader, but he also possesses a rare understanding of how culture evolves, keeping his finger on the pulse of what comes next. His extensive knowledge and instinctive ability to connect with artists and their teams will be crucial in realizing our shared vision for the label. I am thrilled to welcome Tim to the Def Jam family.”
This appointment follows the restructuring of Universal Music Group’s front labels last year, with Def Jam now part of the Republic Collective, alongside Island Records, Mercury Records, and Republic Records.
Def Jam has been under the leadership of Balogun since January 2022. The label’s roster includes Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, LL Cool J, and Muni Long among others.
