The exec is launching an independent company called Crescent Drive Productions, which will work across music management, publishing and records, reports Variety.
Jacobson manages Jeff Bhasker, Emile Haynie and Brendan O’Brien.
Jacobson was named President of Geffen in early 2017 with a roster that includes, DJ Snake, Yungblud, Mura Masa, Col3trane, Griffyn, Lil Jon and Bunt, plus the Darkroom label and more.
Jacobson started as an assistant in the international publicity team at Interscope (now Interscope Geffen A&M), where he’s worked for the past decade-and-a-half.
He founded Interscope’s (now closed) internal artist management division – where he looked after the likes of will.i.am and Robin Thicke – and was eventually named EVP of the label.
As EVP, he A&R’d multi-platinum records from The Black Eyed Peas (including I Got A Feeling and Boom Boom Pow), Madonna, Fergie, Robin Thicke (including Blurred Lines), Avicii (including Wake Me Up) and DJ Snake (including Let Me Love You feat. Justin Bieber and Taki Taki Feat. Selena Gomez, Cardi B and Ozuna).
“Being the President of Geffen Records over the last three years has been the greatest honor of my career.”
Neil Jacobson
“For the past 17 years, I have been fortunate to work here at Interscope,” said Jacobson.
“I’ve made lifelong friends and have had the privilege of working with many of the world’s most talented artists. Being the President of Geffen Records over the last three years has been the greatest honor of my career.
“There is no way to put into words how much my time here has meant to me, but after much reflection, I’ve decided to start my own venture, Crescent Drive Productions, an independent music management, publishing and record label.
“As our industry continues to grow and evolve through technology, music consumption, and artists’ direct relationships with their fans, I am excited about my new venture’s contributions to serve artists and fans worldwide.”
“When Neil agreed to take on the role of President of Geffen Records, he shared my vision of continuing the storied legacy of the Geffen brand.”
Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman John Janick, writing a note to the company’s staff, said: “Nearly 10 years ago, while running Fueled By Ramen, I struck up a friendship with Neil Jacobson. He struck me as driven, smart and insightful and incredibly passionate about the music industry.
“He told me he was setting out to learn every aspect of the music business and that’s exactly what he did. At Interscope alone, over the past 17 years he has worked in international publicity and marketing, management and A&R.
“When Neil agreed to take on the role of President of Geffen Records, he shared my vision of continuing the storied legacy of the Geffen brand.
“His vast knowledge of the business and keen eye for talent were essential as he moved the label forward. Neil did all of this buoyed by an intense entrepreneurial spirit, something we both share.”Music Business Worldwide
