John Eshak

Columbia Records has promoted Justin Eshak and Imran Majid to Co-Heads of A&R, it was announced today by Ron Perry, Chairman and CEO of Columbia Records, to whom Justin and Imran will report.  Both Justin and Imran will hold the title of Executive Vice President, Co-Head of A&R. Previously, both executives held the title of Senior Vice President, A&R for the label.

“Justin and Imran have proven to be innovative executives with a united vision. I’m confident they’ll frame an A&R culture built on breakthrough artists who can propel Columbia’s great legacy into the future.” stated Perry. “The entire company joins me in congratulating Justin and Imran on their well-deserved promotions.”

“I’m grateful to Ron Perry for the opportunity to be a part of Columbia’s next creative chapter,” stated Justin. “I’m incredibly excited to continue working closely with Imran and our exceptional team as we actively cultivate and promote Columbia’s extraordinary artists and culture.”

Imran Majid

Stated Imran: “I want to thank Ron Perry for this incredible honor and entrusting Justin and me to oversee one of the most coveted positions in the entire business.  We have been fortunate to foster new talent in a company where artists can push creative boundaries with the support of the most forward thinking staff.”

Since joining Columbia Records in 2013, Eshak has played an integral role in the signing and development of several breakthrough artists including Hozier, whose single “Take Me To Church” was nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 2015 Grammy Awards and whose debut album sold over two million copies domestically.  That year he also signed Ruth B, whose single “Lost Boy” sold over three million singles domestically, and Leon Bridges, whose debut album “Coming Home” received two Grammy nominations and recently achieved Gold status.  Eshak also works closely with The Chainsmokers, who have defined pop music over the past couple years with 5 top 5 singles and recently joined Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber as the only musical artists with two songs eclipsing one billion streams.  In 2016 he was included in Billboard’s power player list, 40 Under 40.  Prior to joining Columbia Records, Eshak spent five years at Brooklyn-based Mick Management.  He began his career in 2003 at Republic Records where he worked in A&R until 2007.

During his tenure at Columbia Records, Imran has worked with several multi-platinum artists including breakout artist Russ, whose debut album ‘There’s Really A Wolf’ is approaching platinum status and racked up 7 certified Gold and Platinum records.  He’s most recently worked with duo Ayo & Teo, whose debut single “Rolex” went two times Platinum.  In 2015 he signed Pop artist Rachel Platten, whose single “Fight Song” became a global anthem selling more than 5 million copies around the world.  Imran began his career in the music business in 2004 as an assistant in the A&R department at Universal Motown Records Group.  He worked as one of the original A&R’s at Universal Republic, becoming Senior Director of A&R when it was restructured into Republic Records in 2012. In 2010 he was included in Billboard’s power player list, 30 Under 30.  Majid joined Columbia Records as Vice President of A&R in 2013.