REID READY TO FILL CLIVE’S SHOES

Making the largest step of his professional career, producer and label head Antonio "L.A." Reid will officially take over as President and Chief Executive Officer at Arista Records on July 1, replacing the only leader the label has known since its inception in 1975, music industry legend Clive Davis. A daunting and challenging task for sure.

"I'm very excited and I have no real worries (about the job itself)," Reid told hitsdailydouble.com "Sure, (the Arista job) is a tall order to fill for obvious reasons. Clive Davis is one of the most successful record men of our time and because his departure was so hugely publicized, I believe there is a lot of scrutiny and focus on me. Even having said all of that, I understand my role within BMG and I'll stay in my lane."

While Reid has not spoken with Davis since BMG Entertainment chief Strauss Zelnick presented the succession plan; Reid has nothing but respect for the man. "I learned a lot from Clive I have love, admiration and respect for him and I do feel the pressure of coming in after him," he said. "The pressure is not from what I'll being doing. It's more from the outside. I'm the new guy and the new guy has a tough role. From a musical perspective, I don't feel pressure. Yes it's a challenge but its something that I'm comfortable with and excited about."

Reid's first objective when he takes the companies reins will be to "put in CDs and turn it up to 10 and listen to the label's music. The music is first and it's the first order of business and I want to let everyone know this is a music company."

He would also like to have his executive team in place by the time he steps in. "I would love it all to be done by July 1. That's one of my goals," he said. "If we don't have it down by then, there is a strong transition team in place and the records we will work are already in play."

Speculation about Reid's team has centered around current Executive VP Black Music Lionel Ridenour as well as widely reported negotiations with such prominent executives as Atlantic GM Ron Shapiro. Matt Flott is expected to be named CFO. Current LaFace president Mark Shimmel is expected to take on a significant role in the new Arista. Such long-time Davis confidants as Executive VP/GM Charles Goldstuck and promotion head Richard Palmese are expected to join Davis at his new company, which he is currently shopping. "I want to look within Arista and find those that can continue to spread their wings and grow within the family," he said. "Shopping outside would come second to that."

In addition to his ascension, BMG purchased the remaining 50% of LaFace Records, which Reid co-owned with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Edmonds is getting a new joint venture label deal with Arista, which is tentatively called Joe Lies.

"The label deal with Kenny is a continuation of a near 20-year relationship that we've had," said Reid. "We are going to build Kenny's new imprint as well as work on the LaFace artists on roster."

For the full Q&A with L.A. Reid, please read the following story.