Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo has kicked off his 2012 with a serious power move by accepting a new deal and position at Motown Records.

According to Billboard.biz, the 32-year-old star has moved from Def Jam to ink a recording deal with Motown and take on the executive position of senior VP of A&R.
"I'm honored that I've been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson — these are big shoes to fill," said Ne-Yo. "But trust, I can handle it."
In his new position, Ne-Yo will act as producer and mentor to his labelmates and also be granted the opportunity to bring his Compound Entertainment imprint to Motown. Executives at the label couldn't be more happy about the new addition to the company.
"His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark," says Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss in a statement announcing the news. But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012."
Ne-Yo, who's currently promoting his role in the film Red Tails, is expected to release his fifth studio album (and first on Motown) this summer.
   
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