Dangerbird Co-Founder Jeff Castelaz Named President of Elektra Records

Jeff Castelaz was today named President of Elektra Records, which operates under the Atlantic Records Group where he will oversee all areas of Elektra's activities, both working with existing signings and developing new talent.

Castelaz will report directly to Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman and Atlantic chairman & COO Julie Greenwald.

Castelaz, who co-founded Dangerbird Records and Music Publishing in 2003, has played a key role in the careers of such artists as  Silversun Pickups, Fitz and The Tantrums, Sea Wolf, Dropkick Murphys, Eagles of Death Metal and Phoenix among others.

PHOTOS: Kanye West’s Indie Rock Dalliances

"Now into its seventh decade, Elektra Records has a unique spirit, cultivated by the elite group of creative mavericks who've run the label and the eclectic artists they've signed," Kallman and Greenwald said in a joint statement: "Building on the remarkable success since the label's re-launch in 2009, Jeff is the perfect choice to forge the next extraordinary chapter of Elektra's story.

"I'm honored to step into the pilot's seat of this incredible label," Castelaz stated. "I couldn't be more excited to uphold Elektra's legacy of long term development of vital artists-a principle that has been the touchstone of my entire career. I look forward to suiting up as the newest member of the crack Artist Development squad known as Atlantic Records Group."

Elektra founder, Jac Holzman added that: "Craig and Julie have given a kid from Milwaukee the opportunity of a lifetime-to shine the Elektra spotlight forward to another generation of music fans. Jeff's broad experience with indie recording and indie management has given him the perfect combination of energy, taste and a commitment to scout the edges and find those seminal artists, a bit ahead of their time, who are capable of making a significant contribution to those who embrace the best of new music."

STORY: Fueled By Ramen Founder John Janick Jumps Ship to Interscope Geffen A&M

While at Dangerbird Records and Music Publishing in 2003, Castelaz signed and guided the careers of a wide range of artists including Silversun Pickups, Fitz and The Tantrums, Sea Wolf, Beady Eye and Richie Sambora, among others. In 1992 he founded Cast Management, where he manages Dropkick Murphys and record producers and songwriters such as Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Tony Hoffer and Jacquire King.

Castelaz also sits on three boards: the President's Circle of The Lance Armstrong Foundation/LIVESTRONG; Radio Milwaukee, a non-commercial AAA station to which he was recruited by the philanthropist Peter Buffett; and The Pablove Foundation, a pediatric cancer charity Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thrailkill founded, which funds innovative pediatric cancer research and programs that improve the lives of kids and families living with childhood cancer.

Elektra records was founded in 1950 by Jac Holzman, Elektra Records with an eclectic musical roster that has included such artists as The Doors, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, 10,000 Maniacs, Anita Baker, Bjork, The Cars, Natalie Cole and The Cure. Its current roster includes Cee-Lo Green, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Ed Sheeran, Marina and the Diamonds, and Justice.

Twitter: @billboardbiz