Ne-Yo Joins Motown, Named Senior VP of A&R

It’s only one month into the new year, but Ne-Yo is making major moves. The Grammy-winning singer has signed to Motown Records and been appointed Senior Vice President of A&R.

After releasing four albums on Def Jam, Ne-Yo will transition to Motown and serve in a creative role, reports Billboard.biz. He will also bring his Compound Entertainment imprint to the label.

In his new position, the R&B gentleman will produce and mentor Motown’s artists, as well as sign and develop new talent.

“I’m honored that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson—these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,” said Ne-Yo in a statement.

Barry Weiss, Island Def Jam Motown Chairman and CEO, added, “His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark. But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012.”

Ne-Yo’s fifth album and first for Motown, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, is due this summer. He can currently be seen in George Lucas’ Red Tails and will appear as a mentor on the upcoming season of NBC’s “The Voice.”