Ezekiel Lewis has been promoted to president at Epic Records. After serving as executive vp and head of A&R at Epic since 2020, Lewis will now help run the company’s daily operations and continue to helm its A&R division. He will also continue to report to Epic chairwoman and CEO Sylvia Rhone.

“Having been a hit songwriter and producer for many years, Zeke brings an invaluable understanding of the artist’s creative journey,” Rhone said in announcing Lewis’ appointment. “His knowledge and experience of the inner workings of the music industry give him an immeasurable edge to drive key business conversations, while staying true to his A&R roots.” 

Lewis initially joined Epic in 2017 as executive vp, A&R. Over the last five years, he has worked with an artist roster that includes 21 Savage, BIA, Black Eyed Peas, DDG, Future, Giveon, Madison Beer, Meghan Trainor, Mimi Webb, Southside and Zara Larsson, among others.

“The entire Epic Records team embodies what it means to champion artist development in this fast-moving industry and I’m excited to help shape its future,” said Lewis in a statement. “I will honor the musical legacy of Epic, our artists and partners with my most intentional effort. I look forward to continuing our collaboration, with the singular goal of giving the world some of the most incredible and influential music created to last for generations.” 

Prior to Epic, Lewis was senior vp of A&R at Motown Records. During a six-year tenure that began in 2011, Lewis worked on projects by Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu, Migos, Lil Yachty, T.I., Rich Homie Quan and others. Lewis’ extensive list of credits includes co-writing and co-producing artists such as Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Trey Songz, as well as collaborations with Mariah Carey and Yo Gotti. 

Lewis, a 2023 Billboard Power 100 honoree, also founded Bar Music Group in 2010. The music publishing company is home to a roster of songwriters and producers whose credits encompass projects by Chris Brown, Future, Trey Songz and others. 

A musician in his own right, Lewis began his career by signing with David Foster’s 143 Records after attending Morehouse College. He later co-founded the songwriter-producer collective The Clutch. The collective is behind hits such as Omarion’s “Ice Box,” Ciara’s “Like a Boy,” Britney Spears’ “Radar” and Timbaland’s “The Way I Are.” Lewis’ additional credits include song contributions on Grammy-winning albums by Luther Vandross (Dance with My Father) and Mary J. Blige (The Breakthrough).