Co-President Ousted at Island/Def Jam

A power struggle inside Seagram’s Island/Def Jam division has resulted in the ousting of co-President John Reid, the Irish executive credited with helping to beef up the label’s new artist and repertoire team. Sources say Reid, who had been employed at the label just two years, is not likely to be replaced. The New York-based label, home to such acts as Jay-Z and Shelby Lynne, is expected to be run in the future by Island/Def Jam executives Jim Caparro and Lyor Cohen. Caparro released a statement Wednesday saying that Reid would be resigning to “pursue other opportunities.” Reid declined to comment.