Lyor Cohen

Lyor Cohen is a prominent American music industry executive with a career spanning over four decades. Born on October 3, 1959, in New York City, Cohen began his career in the 1980s managing artists for Rush Productions. He played a pivotal role in the growth of hip-hop by signing influential acts such as Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and A Tribe Called Quest. In 1988, he became the CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he significantly expanded the label's influence. Later, Cohen served as Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group from 2004 to 2012. In 2012, he co-founded 300 Entertainment, an independent record label. In 2016, Cohen was appointed as YouTube's Global Head of Music, overseeing the platform's music strategy and partnerships. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $150 million.