Derek Pearson has over 20 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry, holding various executive positions at major record labels promoting artists and securing radio airplay. He has led successful promotion campaigns contributing to chart-topping songs and albums. Pearson is skilled in networking, relationship building, budget management, and developing artists. He currently serves as Vice President of Promotions where he secures airplay for established artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and Nicki Minaj.

1. DEREK PEARSON
27 MORRIS STREET, NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK 10801
917.686.8881 DEREK.PEARSON501@GMAIL.COM
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVE
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
• Led radio promotion campaigns contributing to the successful chart-positions of dozens of songs,
including many on the Billboard charts.
• Great rapport and relationships with many key players in the music industry; including DJs, station
personnel and lifestyle tastemakers.
• Key member of the executive team of the #1 record label on Billboard charts for four consecutive years.
• Introducing and securing radio airplay for new acts, by way of great relationships with radio
programmers.
• Managed national teams compromising of up to 10 people to secure promotion of records.
• Versatility and flexibility, extending beyond radio promotions, to enhance artist careers and label
standing.
• Participation on music discussion panels; judged national and televised musical competitions.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Networking with artists, label
representatives and radio executives
• Budget management
• Relationship building
• Artist development
• Leadership and mentoring of staff
• Record promotions
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Vice President of Promotions, Universal Motown/Republic/Cash Money Records, New York, New
York
2006 – 2016
• Secured airplay for developing and established artists, including Drake, The Weeknd, Nicki
Minaj, Swizz Beatz, Lil Wayne, Nelly, Kelly Rowland, Kid Cudi, Busta Rhymes and others.
• Managed rap promotion staff and independent contractors throughout the country.
• Managed approximately $500K in budgets annually, as well as payments to independent
contractors.
• Developed complex itineraries for artists for promotional events and tours.
• Incorporated the digital space, using the likes of Spotify, Shazam, iTunes and others, to help
achieve maximum exposure for artists.
• Introduced lifestyle brands for cross marketing with key artists, such as Nike, Reebok, Born Fly
Clothing and Staple Clothing.
• Utilized corporate partners for annual listening/launch events, including award show weekends,
college homecomings, music festivals, etc.
• Secured talent and corporate sponsors for in-house cultivation events (holiday events, meetings,
etc.), as well as hosted (Happy Hour, “Intern Friday,” etc.), which could include industry
professionals.
• Contributed to the Artist & Repertoire components of many artists’ development.
• Created and hosted conference call introductions between developing acts and the music
community.
• Planned and managed acts participation in the Black Entertainment Television college tour 2009-
2011.

2. Senior Director of Promotions, Warner Brothers Records, New York, New York
2004 – 2005
• Worked with the VP of Promotions to secure airplay for developing and established artists.
• Contributed to the development and gold and platinum chart positions for artists, including Mike
Jones, Lil’ Scrappy, E-40, Jaheim, and others.
• Cross-promoted artists single/album campaigns with digital vendors such as DigiWaxx and
Cornerstone Promotions.
• Oversaw 20 city tour with new acts to create awareness and launch new projects.
Senior Director of Promotions, MCA/Geffen Records, New York, New York
2001 – 2004
National Director of Promotions
1998 – 2001
Director of College Radio and Street Promotions
1996 – 1998
• Worked with national street teams to develop artists and increase visibility in various
marketplaces.
• Contributed to the development and gold and platinum chart positions for artists, including Mary
J. Blige, Common, Shaggy, The Roots, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg and others.
• Content writer for the MCA website.
• Developed and created annual DJ Retreats from 2001-2003
EDUCATION
• 1996 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), CUNY, New York, New York
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS
• 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013 Promotions Representative of the Year Nominee, S.I.N. Awards
• 2012 Source Magazine/MTV.com Year End Review Roundtable Judge
• 2014 Derek Jeter “RE2PECT” Campaign Ambassador (with commercial cameo)
• 2015 CORE DJ Award for Excellence in Music
• 2015 Remy Martin NYC Producer Series Judge
• 2008-Present Member of Management Team for DJ KaySlay (Hot 97 Radio Station/Emmis
Communications and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio)
• 2011-Present Active Member of the Voting Committee for the Global Spin Awards