Mayor Reed hires Christopher Hicks as Director of Office of Film and Entertainment

Christopher Hicks, far left, with Jermaine Dupri, center, at Morehouse College to support L.A. Reid's appearance and book signing. (Photo by Terry Shropshire for Atlanta Daily World and Real Times Media).
Christopher Hicks, far left, with Jermaine Dupri, center, and others at Morehouse College to support music legend L.A. Reid’s appearance and book signing. (Photo by Terry Shropshire for Atlanta Daily World and Real Times Media).

ATLANTA – Capitalizing off the city’s burgeoning national and international reputation as an epicenter of music and movies, and determined to expand upon it, Mayor Kasim Reed announced the hire of Christopher Hicks as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment.
The timing of Hicks’ appointment was fortuitous as his first day including introducing legendary music producer and executive, L.A. Reid, who spoke and signed copies of his book at Morehouse College.
Hicks, a 20-year resident in Atlanta, has worked with some of the most successful national and international artists to come from Atlanta. Hicks has also been an entrepreneur, running his own production and publishing houses based in Atlanta.
“Christopher Hicks has been a pillar of Atlanta’s entertainment industry for more than twenty years,” said Mayor Reed. “He will bring his extensive experience, deep knowledge of the entertainment industry and unique creative vision to the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment. I am excited about what he will be able to accomplish in support of our strong and growing film, television, digital entertainment and music industries.”
Hicks served as the Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam Records, part of Universal Music Group, from 2009 to 2012, splitting his time between Atlanta and New York. In this role, Hicks was part of the team to launch Justin Bieber’s career. He reported directly to the Chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam and was in charge of the creative staff across the record label.
“I am excited to serve Mayor Reed as a member of his administration and the City of Atlanta, where I’ve made my home for the last 20 years,” said Hicks. “The film and entertainment industry is surging in Atlanta, boosting the economy in the city and across our state. I am thrilled to help advance this industry and support this growing talent pool in my new role.”
From 2007 to 2009, Hicks was Senior Vice President and Head of Urban Music at Warner Chappell, part of the Warner Music Group. He was responsible for reinvigorating the urban music division, which had once been a dominant part of the Warner Music Group business.
Hicks also founded and served as CEO of Noontime Music Publishing, and was a managing partner with CONTENT Music Group, where he consulted for Mary J. Blige and Usher Raymond. In 2012, Hicks launched his own production and consulting practice, DSRPT INC., where he advised clients from diverse industries on traditional and non-traditional brand visibility strategies. In his free time, Hicks enjoys volunteering with The First Tee, a youth organization which provides character education and healthy opportunities through golf lessons.
Christopher Hicks succeeds LaRonda Sutton in this role. Sutton was the first director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment and held her post from 2013 through January 2016.

About Post Author

Comments

From the Web

Skip to content
Verified by MonsterInsights