Luke Wood
Luke Wood | |
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Occupation | Ex-President (2012-2020), Beats Electronics |
Known for | Beats Electronics, Former Music Industry Executive, Rock Guitarist |
Luke Wood is a music industry executive, mainly known as the ex-President of both Beats Electronics (2012–2020) and DGC Records (2007–2010).[1][2][3] He was also a guitarist for the 1990s alt-rock bands Sammy and Girls Against Boys.[4] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Studies in 1991 from Wesleyan University and currently sits on the Board of Trustees.[5]
Early career
Prior to Beats Electronics, Wood was chief strategy officer of Interscope Geffen A&M[6] and president of its rock imprint DGC Records.[3][7] As DGC’s president, Wood was responsible for all Artists & Repertoire (A&R) and marketing decisions[8] and for developing and guiding the label’s artists including Weezer, All-American Rejects, Rise Against, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.[9][10] Before working in A&R, Wood was involved in the firm’s marketing and publicity.[3]
In 1991, Wood served as a director of publicity for Geffen Records, where he represented bands including Nirvana and Sonic Youth.[9] He later served as director of marketing for Geffen Records and as vice president of A&R at DreamWorks Records.[8]
Wood joined Interscope Records in 2003 (during its merger with DreamWorks) as executive vice president of A&R,[8] where he signed artists such as Jimmy Eat World and Elliott Smith.[10] He later became the President of DGC Records from 2007 to 2010.
Beats Electronics
Wood joined Beats Electronics in February 2011 as president and COO, working directly with Dr. Dre and Iovine on product development[3] and overseeing day-to-day operations at the company.[6] Wood was instrumental in Beats Electronics’ acquisition of subscription music service MOG in July 2012 which was later launched into Beats Music in January 2014.[11] Under Luke Wood’s leadership, in August 2014 Beats Electronics and Beats Music were officially acquired by Apple Inc. for $3 billion.[12] In April 2020, Wood stepped down as president of Beats Electronics.[13]
Music career
Wood was guitarist for Sammy, a 1990s alt-rock band that released three albums: Debut Album (1994) and Kings of the Island Empire (1995), released by Smells Like Records, and Tales of Great Neck Glory (1996), released by Geffen/DGC Records. In September 2014, Wood was added to Fender Guitar’s Board of Directors.[14]
References
- ^ "Matthew Costello Named COO of Beat Electronics". Billboard. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
- ^ Johnston, Lisa (6 November 2013). "Beats Names Costello COO; Wood Joins Board Of Directors". Twice. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
- ^ a b c d Halperin, Shirley (1 February 2011). "Luke Wood Named President and COO of Beats Headphones". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ Dishman, Lydia. "How Dr. Dre's Burgeoning Headphones Company Stays True To Its Bass-Thumping Roots". Innovation Agents. Fast Company. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "Trustees, Trustees - Wesleyan University". www.wesleyan.edu. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ a b Copeland, Michael V. "Total Sonic Domination Is What Drives Beats: 11 Questions With Luke Wood". Business. WIRED. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "Luke Wood, Beats Electronics LLC: Profile and Biography". www.bloomberg.com.
- ^ a b c musicandsoundretailer (2014-08-27). "FMIC Welcomes Beats Electronics President Luke Wood To Board". The Music & Sound Retailer. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ a b Carnoy, David. "13 questions for Luke Wood, the President of Beats". CNET. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ a b "Beats president Luke Wood's life at rock's cutting edge". Guitar.com | All Things Guitar. 2019-11-01. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ Peoples, Glenn. "Beats Electronics President and COO Luke Wood Talks About Mog Acquisition, Future of Beats". Billboard.Biz. Billboard. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "Beats is now officially part of Apple". The Verge. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
- ^ "Longtime Beats President Luke Wood to Step Down".
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: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Fender Adds Beats President to Board". Music Inc Magazine.
External links
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- American music industry executives
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- American alternative rock musicians
- American rock guitarists
- American male guitarists
- Wesleyan University alumni
- A&R people
- Year of birth missing (living people)
- Place of birth missing (living people)