Grammy Award-winning artist and R&B sensation Ne-Yo inked a deal to bring his Compound Entertainment imprint from Def Jam to Motown Records, where he will take on the creative role as Senior Vice President of A&R.

Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, announced the news today. “Ne-Yo is an enormously talented artist, songwriter, and producer,” said Mr. Weiss in an official statement, “In fact, he’s one of the greatest songwriters of our times.  His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark.  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.”

“I’m a combination of excited, honored and terrified all at once!” said Ne-Yo.  “Excited about a new beginning here at Motown, 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 idols and career role models Mr. Smokey Robinson, these are big shoes to fill…..but trust, I can handle it.”

Ne-Yo will release his fifth album and Motown debut this summer.