L.A. Reid to Def Jam: Farewell Letter!

L.A. Reid has officially stepped down as Island Def Jam chairman.

His letter sent to his staff started off with a quote from Colin Powell: “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.”

And here’s the rest of L.A.‘s letter as obtained by JustJared.com:

“To my Island Def Jam family: After much consideration, I have decided to leave my position as Chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group.

“I have always thrived on growth and the next great challenge, and I look forward with much enthusiasm to what the future holds.

“I am extremely proud of our beautiful roster and all we have accomplished in my seven years with IDJ. We continue to have incredible success together with today’s most phenomenal superstars – Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey (she reportedly will follow L.A.), Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The Killers, The-Dream, Chrisette Michele, Jeezy and Ludacris to name a few.

“I want to thank all of you for your amazing contributions.

“With Warm Regards -
LA”

Yesterday, it was announced that L.A. would be joining the judging panel on The X-Factor – his leaving Def Jam early frees up his schedule to join Simon Cowell‘s show!