David Massey (music executive)

David Massey is a British-born, American record executive and former artist manager. Massey currently serves as President and CEO of Island Records in the US.

Massey was born in London to Gerald Massey and Marion Massey. Marion was the manager of iconic British pop star Lulu from the singer's discovery in 1963 until the end of the 1980s, and she is known as one of the first female artist managers in the music industry.

Massey's early schooling was at the Lycée Francais de Londres, followed by a master's degree in Law at Christ's College Cambridge University, where he was also president of the Law Society.

He married Gaby Gryn in 1987 and they have two children, Adam and Clio. The family moved to New York City in January 1992, where they continue to reside.

Massey began his career in the music industry in 1982 as an artist manager, firstly representing the British new wave group, Wang Chung – who signed with Geffen and enjoyed five US Top 40 singles. His client roster also included Tom Robinson, Hollywood Beyond, Siedah Garrett, and also prolific British songwriter/producers Tony Swain and Steve Jolley. In addition to artist representation, Massey also ran a small independent label and music publishing company called Big World Records.

In 1991 Massey left management following the acceptance of an offer from Tommy Mottola and Michele Anthony to join Sony Entertainment as Vice-President of A&R at Epic Records, rising to Executive Vice President/General Manager of the label in 1997.

During this time, he worked with Oasis, Silverchair, Shakira, Des'ree, Franz Ferdinand, among others. Massey became Executive Vice President of A&R for Sony Music in 1999, focusing on Global A&R. He also founded and became President of Daylight Records, a Sony imprint and home to such artists as Anastacia, Delta Goodrem, Good Charlotte, The Jonas Brothers, Phantom Planet and Cyndi Lauper.

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