Beats Electronics boss and music industry veteran Jimmy Iovine is in talks to join Apple as a “special adviser” to Tim Cook on creative matters, according to sources.
Along with his role as co-creator of Beats with business partner Dr. Dre, Iovine is also chairman of Universal Music Group’s Interscope, Geffen and A&M labels, which is home to artists including Lady Gaga and Eminem.
If Iovine does officially join Apple, it wouldn’t be his first time working with the company. Last year he met with Tim Cook and Eddy Cue to discuss projects. He also worked with Steve Jobs back in the early 2000s, and even pitched him a music subscription service along the lines of Beats Music and iTunes Radio.
The news of Iovine joining Apple comes on the back of reports that Apple is in talks to acquire Beats for a massive $3.2 billion — which would make it Apple’s biggest ever acquisition.
Given that nothing has been confirmed yet, it’s not known whether Iovine would consider joining Apple only in the event of an acquisition, or if he plans to join anyway. Iovine’s contract with UMG runs until the end of this year.
We look forward to the announcement that “Apple buys legendary music executives from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”
Source: New York Post
