JANICK ADDRESSES THE TROOPS
Pep Talk to His Team
Right behind the announcement of John Janick’s eventual elevation to Chairman/CEO of IGA—whereupon the 36-year-old whiz kid will have big shoes to fil (and don’t even start about filling the cap)l—the great one’s handpicked successor sent the following message to staff. Here’s the internal memo in its entirety:
I'm sure all of you have seen the news regarding Jimmy and Beats over the past few weeks, and have read today’s press release and the email message from Lucian. The companies have made it official and Jimmy will be leaving Interscope Geffen A&M upon closing of the Apple acquisition of Beats.
Jimmy's impact on culture cannot be overstated. He has created an incredible company at Interscope Geffen A&M, and I’ve had the privilege of working with, and learning from, him since I started here in 2012. He has been an inspiration, and I cannot thank him enough for the opportunity he has given me.
The vision for this company has always been a straightforward one: find great artists and hire the best people in the business to work with them. Straightforward, but not necessarily easy to do. Beyond that, there have never been any rules at Interscope Geffen A&M: all three labels were founded with an entrepreneurial spirit, and it's one that continues to this day. Different approaches, different opinions, and a different way of looking at things. Thinking of ideas others haven't, and going out and doing them. These are things that Jimmy has inspired in all of us; concepts that I firmly believe in and intend on continuing and nurturing.
The music business has seen many changes over the last 10 years, and it's an exciting time as we enter a new phase. I've seen the changes from both outside our company as well as within, and I’m confident we're in the best possible position to take advantage of what lies ahead. We have an incredible roster of artists, really exciting new projects coming and a team that I feel is without equal in the industry. 2013 was one of our most successful years on record, and everyone reading this had a hand in that. This is a remarkable place to work, and I thank you all for your continued commitment to our company and our artists.
Everyone should be proud of what Jimmy's accomplished today, and of everything we continue to do with the company he founded here at Interscope. In addition, I would like to thank Lucian for his support and leadership, and for fostering an environment in which we are truly positioned to thrive. I'm honored to be able to guide our company into its next chapter, and to work alongside such extraordinarily talented people as we begin it.
Please join me in wishing Jimmy all the best on his new journey.
